Date of Award

2024

Publisher

North Dakota State University

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Awarded

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

College

Health Professions

Faculty Advisor

Gross, Dean

Description

Pediatric emergencies present significant challenges and emotional strain in healthcare settings. In critical access hospitals, the provision of safe, effective, and high-quality emergency response for pediatric cases is especially demanding. Many rural hospitals have infrequent exposure to pediatric emergency care, which can contribute to a lack of confidence when caring for this population. Diminished confidence in pediatric skills and procedures has been linked with a reduction in overall patient safety. Research on pediatric emergency preparedness in rural settings outlines the need for further multi-faceted education to achieve increased provider comfort and preparedness. The practice improvement project aimed to understand health provider comfort related to pediatric trauma preparedness at a critical access hospital in rural southwest North Dakota. A pediatric education-based seminar was developed in response to the facility healthcare providers’ educational needs and was implemented to further evaluate the impact that simulation, didactic education, and hands-on skills have on perceived comfort and knowledge. Evaluation of the concluded practice improvement project showed valuable insights into the state of pediatric preparedness in rural healthcare. A pre-seminar needs assessment and post-survey were administered. Post-survey results reflected an increase in knowledge related to caring for pediatric patients after the seminar. The positive influence of education reflected an increase in comfort levels among participants. Many participants felt that their future practice would be changed due to the seminar education. Findings supported a need among healthcare providers for regular education and training. Overall, the analysis and results of the project supported the need for future pediatric preparedness training and the positive impact that education can have on healthcare providers. These findings support the project's potential to influence the future direction and emphasis of rural health education.

Rights

NDSU policy 190.6.2

Rights Link

https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf

Handle Identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/10365/33959

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