Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
Access Control
Open Access
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Public Health Nurse Leader
Year Degree Awarded
2021
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/18164921
Month Degree Awarded
May
Keywords
screening, children, development, behavior, primary care
Advisor
Pamela Aselton
DNP Project Chair
Carrie-Ellen Briere
DNP Project Outside Member Name
Jameson Lassor
Abstract
Background: Children are a vulnerable population who are at risk for a variety of developmental, behavioral and family concerns. Early intervention leads to improved outcomes. By implementing the comprehensive evidence-based screening tool the Survey of Well-being for Young Children (SWYC), within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), outcomes for these children may be improved through early intervention.
Methods: The SWYC survey was provided to parents and guardians of children ages zero to five years at one pilot site at a FQHC in New England during well child visits (WCV) over a 6-week period. Implementation success was measured through review of electronic medical record (EMR) reports, tracking referrals, and an anonymous staff satisfaction survey.
Results: Chi-square analysis showed no significant difference between the pre-intervention and post-intervention groups developmental screening rate (p=.099) and referral rate (p=1.00). A significant difference (p=.017) was noted in completion of the M-CHAT between groups. The staff satisfaction survey had an estimated responses rate of 50%. Responses indicated that 40% of staff were satisfied with the SWYC survey, 50% were neutral, and 10% were unsatisfied.
Conclusion: Findings from the QI project indicate that the sample size may have been too small to see a difference between the pre-intervention and post-intervention groups. M-CHAT rates may have been lower during the QI project because the POSI found within the SWYC survey also screens for autism. An emerging theme was that the SWYC had a greater focus on family concerns when compared to the previous tool used in this FQHC. Recommendations for the future include a larger sample size and higher engagement of clinical staff during pilot project planning.
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