Date on Paper
7-2023
Document Type
Doctoral Paper
Degree Name
D.N.P.
Department
Nursing
Committee Chair
Shumaker, Shannon
Committee Member
Robertson, Sara
Author's Keywords
dysphagia screening; stroke; deglutition disorders; improvement interventions; nurse self-efficacy; problem-based learning
Abstract
Background: Dysphagia screening is a critical aspect in the care of patients experiencing acute stroke and dysphagia may often determine life or death following a stroke event. Inconsistent nurse dysphagia assessment and documentation were identified in the Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit project organization.
Purpose: The purpose of this project was to explore the impact of an educational program on stroke nurse dysphagia screening and nursing self-efficacy in the ICU.
Methods: Fifteen nurses completed a modified General Self-Efficacy Scale survey which measured nurse perceptions of change in their own self-efficacy to perform dysphagia screenings; dysphagia screening rates and rates of dysphagia diagnoses were also obtained.
Intervention: An educational workshop was provided to ICU nurses on the organization dysphagia screening protocol including a digital case-based scenario to achieve increased nurse learning and improve nurse self-efficacy.
Results: Paired t-tests determined that general nursing self-efficacy to perform and document dysphagia screenings improved post-intervention. During the 8-week project, more nurse bedside dysphagia screenings were performed, and more patients were identified with dysphagia post-project.
Discussion: This project demonstrated that dysphagia screening in the ICU improves identification of dysphagia and improves nurse self-efficacy to screen for dysphagia.
Recommended Citation
Bills, Chelsea, "Improving post-stroke dysphagia screening in the intensive care unit." (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers. Paper 143.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/dnp/143
