•  
  •  
 

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Abstract

Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk of infections and certain cancers due to the immunosuppressed body as well as the immunosuppressive agents. Despite American national organizations’ specific guidelines for immunocompromised patients, reported vaccination rates and provider compliance on preventive services is low. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and clinical practice among Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) in preventive care for immunocompromised patients and educating APNs to improve their knowledge and practice skills using an evidence-based preventive care protocol. Methods: APN members of Illinois Society of Advanced Practice Nurses (ISAPN) organization were surveyed by a needs assessment questionnaire and descriptive analysis was done. Based on the results, an evidence-based Preventive Care Protocol was created and implemented through a web-based Continuing Education (CE) module. A post-test was used to evaluate the project objectives. Results: Of the 811 surveys that were sent to ISAPN members, 164 members responded, yielding an overall response rate of 17%. The barriers identified were lack of knowledge and confidence among practicing APNs. Forty-four out of forty-seven APN’s took the CE module with a response rate of 94%. The post-test showed an improvement in confidence level (98%) and knowledge of APNs (p < .005) in preventive care for immunocompromised patients. Conclusion: The web-based CE module implementing the Preventive Care Protocol was an effective method and improved APN’s knowledge, current practice and confidence level in preventive care for immunocompromised patients

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.