Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

7-8-2022

Graduate Advisor

Anne Thatcher, College of Nursing

Committee

Anne Thatcher, DNP, MSW, APRN, PMHNP-BC, LMSW

Cathy Koetting, PhD, DNP, APRN, CPNP, PMHS, FNP-C

Andrea Jackson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Abstract

Purpose: Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics are underutilized as an evidence-based treatment for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine if a web-based LAI education module changed advance practice prescribers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice behaviors regarding LAI antipsychotics one month after receiving LAI education at a community-based mental health organization.

Methods: This QI project was an observational pre- post-educational design. The 20-item Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) questionnaire was used to assess advanced practice providers’ knowledge retention, attitude changes, and practice modifications regarding LAI antipsychotics and prospective patient chart reviews were performed.

Results: Participants (N = 17) included 14 nurse practitioners, two physician assistants, and one psychiatrist. Friedman tests and pairwise comparisons determined practices subsection KAP scores were statistically significantly different between pre- and posttest scores (p = .021). Total KAP, knowledge and attitudes subsection scores were determined by Friedman tests to be statistically insignificant (p > .05). An exact sign test and descriptive statistics determined there was an increase in LAIs prescribed in eight participants post-education, whereas six participants decreased LAIs prescribed post-education and three participants saw no improvement. There was no statistically significant median increase in LAIs prescribed (Mdn = 0.00) from pre-education (Mdn = 18.00) to post-education (Mdn = 19.00, p = .791).

Implications for Practice: LAI education can increase LAI use and additional organizations may benefit by utilizing the LAI educational module as a viable resource if their LAI use is closer to the national average where improvements can best be measured.

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