Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Final Projects

The purpose of this project is to look at the relationship between education about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in adult primary care providers. The project addresses the transition challenges adults with ASD have in finding a primary care provider who is comfortable and competent with ASD. Education was provided to adult primary care providers in a multi-site primary care clinic in a large metropolitan city in the Southwestern United States. The Modified Knowledge/Attitudes/Belief instrument was used. A pre-test was administered prior to the education session, then a post-test and a one-month post-test were given afterward.

The results of the education program showed that attitudes and beliefs increased after the education and continued to increase more in the month following. Knowledge improved after the education session but declined after a month although scores were not back to the pre-education level. Primary care providers who receive education about ASD may be more comfortable in caring for this population and more likely to welcome adults with ASD into their practice. Education for primary care providers is key to improving health outcomes for adults with ASD.

Oral health in the pediatric population is an overlooked topic in primary care, yet it is vital to their overall health. Dental caries, otherwise known as cavities, are a significant problem among the pediatric population. Dental caries is the most common non-transmittable disease across the globe. Dental caries can have painful effects that can lead to serious health implications and reduce the quality of life. Prevention is key when addressing dental caries and oral health care. Oral health prevention and education should begin early on in life and continue throughout the lifetime.

Pediatricians and primary care practitioners play a vital role in the prevention identification, and treatment of dental caries. Individuals in these care roles must become familiar with dental caries and the best evidence-based practices. Furthermore, these health care providers can have an active role in policy creation and change within the community to address the issue. A project was conducted to help improve oral health in the pediatric population. The project consisted of a well-child template modification at the 9-month well-child visit that would prompt providers to encourage a dental visit by the 12-month appointment. The results were limited, and the outcomes were not statistically significant. A recommendation for future studies will be to verbalize the recommendation and provide a handout or recommend a specific pediatric dentist.