Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

7-12-2018

Graduate Advisor

Laura Kuensting, DNP, APRN, PCNS-BC, CPNP, CPEN

Committee

Laura Kuensting, DNP, APRN, PCNS-BC, CPNP, CPEN

Louise Miller, PhD, RN

Patricia Plumley, MSW, MM, LNHA

Abstract

Problem: HIV-positive persons living in supportive housing who were otherwise homeless are reported to have better health outcomes than those who remain homeless. This was a quality improvement project to obtain baseline information regarding the implementation of onsite nursing services for individuals and their families residing in an HIV-positive supportive housing apartment community in an urban Midwestern city. Methods: A nurse triage clinic was implemented in partnership with the Doorways organization. Two registered nurses staffed the clinic two days per week. Data was collected on demographics and clinic utilization over a nine-week period. Results: Of the apartment residents, N=95, the clinic was utilized by a small number (n=6). Greatest clinic usage occurred on days when events were held (n = 5). Two of the six residents (33%) reported not having a regular source of primary health care. BMI was noted to be in the overweight or obese range for all six clinic patients. A decrease in blood pressure was observed in a clinic patient after education on medication adherence and repeat visits. Implications: Hand-off of the clinic to the next cohort of DNP students will continue to build rapport in the community. Adding an APRN on staff at the clinic with collaborating physician would offer a broader range of services to the community. Interventions that engender trust in the health care system, promote self-care, increase health literacy and an individual’s ability to navigate the complex system of health care are necessary to improving the health of this population.

OCLC Number

1057443597

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