Date of Award
2021
Document Type
Project
College/School
College of Nursing
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Project Mentor
Lisa Abel
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this practice improvement project was to increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) knowledge in women of color (WOC) in the primary care setting through enhanced provider to patient education through implementation of a provider toolbox.
Background: CVD is the number one cause of death in women in the United States. However, WOC have a higher incidence of CVD than White women. Additionally, WOC have been found to have a decreased knowledge and awareness of CVD, demonstrated by numerous national studies. Therefore, the primary investigator (PI) identified a need to increase CVD knowledge and awareness in WOC in order to improve heart health outcomes in this patient population.
Methods: An evidenced-based toolbox on CVD prevention in WOC for provider use was assembled by the PI. The toolbox was distributed to providers at SeaMar Monroe clinic with an accompanying voiceover PowerPoint with instructions for intended use. A follow up mixed-methods survey was sent to participants which aimed to evaluate the toolbox itself, its expected impact on patient outcomes and identify implications for future practice.
Results: All participants (n=4) strongly agreed that the toolbox informed their knowledge on this clinical practice issue, strongly agreed that it will help them optimize cardiovascular health in WOC, and strongly agreed that it will facilitate evidenced-based practice. Half of the participants strongly agreed, and half agreed, that they felt better equipped to address this clinical practice issue after using the toolbox. Themes identified included time as a barrier for optimal CVD education for both patients and providers, conceptualizing race as a specific risk factor and lack of prioritization to take preventative action by WOC.
Conclusion: WOC have a higher incidence of CVD paired with a decreased knowledge and understanding. Primary care providers are in a unique position to close this knowledge gap through patient education to reduce health disparities in this population. This toolbox resource facilitated provider to patient CVD education in WOC.
Recommended Citation
Nelson, Ellerey C., "A Provider Toolbox on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women of Color in the Primary Care Setting" (2021). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 19.
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/dnp-projects/19