Graduation Year

2025

Degree Type

Open Access Capstone

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Theresa Loan

Department Affiliation

Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing

Second Advisor

Wanda France

Department Affiliation

Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing

Third Advisor

Linda Hunter

Department Affiliation

Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing

Abstract

Abstract

Measurement-based care (MBC) is beneficial for clinicians to identify symptoms quantifiably. Patients can benefit from assessment using validated screening tools. Compliance with MBC initiatives is less than 20% utilization in behavioral health clinics. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project was to implement MBC utilizing the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) instrument for an adult female population at an outpatient behavioral health clinic. Appointments at this clinic were primarily performed virtually. A staff workshop was presented to describe implementation of MBC and use of the organization’s electronic platform for patient access to the self-report PCL-5. A practice change was implemented to send an electronic MBC intake packet, including the PCL-5 instrument, to all new patients over 30 days. An evidence-based PCL-5 Clinician Algorithm was created and given to each clinician to document if the PCL-5 instrument was completed, scored, interpreted, and if a referral was made. The proportions of PCL-5 instruments sent, scored, and interpreted were measured 30 days before and after the staff workshop. Results revealed a statistically significant improvement in distributing PCL-5 instruments to new patients, aligning with the organization’s MBC initiatives. While the PCL-5 instrument scoring and interpretation tasks did not show statistical significance as measured by a two-proportion z-test, they did exceed the 50% increase target. There was inconclusive evidence for the comparison of referral rates.

Keywords: Behavioral health, measurement-based care, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

FWA00003332

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