Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Project

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Project Mentor

Dr. Amy Walker

Readers

Jing Zuo

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Current research identifies a gap in the data regarding electronic health records (EHRs), signage, and digital tools to improve outcomes for patients on modified diets, as well as a lack of government reports on clinically related events (Hoggle et al., 2006; Limketkai et al., 2021; Prgomet et al., 2019). EHRs can facilitate data sharing, but often overlook clinical realities and user needs, which leads to inefficiencies in nutritional care. This quality improvement project examines the experiences of bedside providers in acute trauma settings to inform evidence-based recommendations for enhancing nutritional care practices and system design.

Methods: This project surveyed bedside providers about their clinical experiences with the current systems and how these systems affect workflow turbulence. The Donabedian Framework for Quality Improvement provided the theoretical foundation for this project, which evaluated end-users through a systematic approach and identified risks within the existing systems.

Results: One hundred and four participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited from two acute care units that serve patients with surgical needs. Among the participants, 87 completed an 18-question survey consisting of role identification, Likert scale questions, and open-ended responses. Substantial evidence indicates that current nutritional care practices do not adequately align with evidence-based recommendations.

Implications for Practice: Improving nutritional care requires a multifaceted approach that considers both the end user and the limitations of the current physical and technological infrastructure. This approach aims to promote advancements in the physical, psychological, and technological aspects of nutritional care within the clinical environment.

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