Degree Name
Nursing Practice, DNP
Publication Date
4-28-2025
First Advisor
Mary Newkirk
Second Advisor
Cassandra Elliott
Abstract
Healthcare providers play a critical role in assessing social determinants of health (SDOH), yet many lack the knowledge and confidence to effectively address these factors during patient encounters. Research indicates that SDOH contribute to approximately 80% of health outcomes, yet only 41% of providers feel confident in discussing them with patients. This quality improvement project aimed to improve provider knowledge and confidence about SDOH as measured by pre- and post-education assessments. The SDOH targeted training took place at an outpatient interventional nephrology practice in Memphis, Tennessee. A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest-posttest design was used. Ten clinical staff members participated in an educational intervention delivered electronically over a four-week period. The pre- and post-educational assessments measured provider knowledge and confidence using a five-point Likert scale. Paired samples t-tests showed statistically significant improvement in provider knowledge and confidence (p < 0.05) and Cronbach’s alpha (α = .96) confirmed strong reliability of the assessment tool. Findings suggest that structured SDOH education may effectively increase provider confidence in addressing social needs. This project was guided by Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory, the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, and Lewin’s Change Model to ensure effective implementation. While the small sample size limits generalizability, the results underscore the value of structured SDOH training and highlight the importance of integrating SDOH screening into routine clinical workflows. Doing this can promote health equity and improve patient outcomes.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Wrenn, Shannon, "Quality Improvement Project Empowering Outpatient Providers: A Training Initiative on Social Determinants of Health" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 206.
https://arch.astate.edu/dnp-projects/206
