{"title":"Improving Patient Appointment Adherence With an Enhanced Appointment Reminder System.","authors":"Yaneth Flores, Rhonda Winegar","doi":"10.1891/JDNP-2025-0036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JDNP-2025-0036","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> No-show visits can significantly affect patient care, resulting in poor outcomes and scheduling inefficiencies in outpatient clinics. At the project site, the no-show rate was 29%, which was considerably higher than the national average of 18%. <b>Methods:</b> This quality improvement project aimed to reduce no-show rates by implementing an enhanced appointment reminder program at an outpatient clinic in the southwestern United States serving approximately 1,600 patients monthly. The program extended phone call reminders from 1 day before appointments to 3 days prior, giving patients more time to prepare for their visits (including labs and transportation). Patient appointment attendance was monitored over 12 days to observe changes. <b>Results:</b> An analysis of 653 patient visits revealed a significant reduction in the no-show rate, from 29% to 21% (<i>p</i> < .001), resulting in savings of $5,200 over 12 days. Age group, payor source, and notification timing emerged as significant predictors of no-shows (<i>p</i> < .001). Of the patients who kept their appointments, 48% (312) received a phone call at least 3 days before their scheduled appointment. <b>Conclusions:</b> The enhanced reminder program effectively improved appointment compliance and clinic revenue, highlighting the benefits of calling patients 3-5 days before their appointments.</p>","PeriodicalId":40310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146197972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jeannie Scruggs Corey, Linda Roussel, Tracy Vitale, Brenda Douglass
{"title":"National Doctor of Nursing Practice Think Tank: Influencing DNP Program Practices Through Collaboration, Scholarship, and Community.","authors":"Jeannie Scruggs Corey, Linda Roussel, Tracy Vitale, Brenda Douglass","doi":"10.1891/JDNP-2024-0064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JDNP-2024-0064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> There are 433 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs nationwide and 87 new programs under development (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2024). Rapid implementation of DNP programs created a ripe environment for curricula variation and uncertainty regarding best practices. <b>Objective:</b> The purpose of this article is to describe the evolution and impact of a grassroots collaborative initiative of DNP faculty leaders from across the country that emerged from uncertainty in implementing AACN guidelines and expectations. This group, the National DNP Think Tank, includes DNP- and PhD-prepared faculty and practice-based colleagues. <b>Methods:</b> A shared vision to shape the evolution of DNP education while cultivating future nursing leaders underpinned the establishment of an open, nonjudgmental virtual forum dedicated to exploring topics, challenges, and solutions in DNP programs. <b>Results:</b> Collaborative dialogue catalyzed the inception of National DNP Conversations, quarterly webinars, a nationwide research initiative on DNP program practices, and sustained collaborative scholarly endeavors. <b>Conclusions:</b> The potential impact and value of think tanks is well documented (De Boer, 2015; Kuhn & Margellos, 2023). Efforts of this group are advancing the evolution of DNP education. <b>Implications for Nursing:</b> National DNP Think Tank members share their lived experiences, emphasizing the importance of professional relationships, critical elements of successful collaboration, and the role of national dialogues in shaping the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":40310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Project of the Impact of a Nurse Practitioner-Led Heart Failure, Self-Care-Focused, Patient Education on Health Care-Related Quality of Life.","authors":"Tal Sraboyants","doi":"10.1891/JDNP-2021-0023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JDNP-2021-0023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Heart failure (HF) is a debilitating disease that places a heavy burden on health care-related quality of life (HRQOL). <b>Objective:</b> This evidence-based quality improvement pilot project aims to show that a HF education packet with nurse practitioner (NP)-led reinforcement can improve HRQOL. <b>Methods:</b> This project uses a comparison prospective design that assesses pre- and postintervention scores. A HF packet focused on self-care education with reinforcement provided by NPs in a HF clinic was provided. A Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 (KCCQ-12) was given at their initial visit. At a 3-6-month postinitial visit, KCCQ-12 scores were re-evaluated. <b>Results:</b> Twelve chronically ill heart failure participants currently receiving care from a cardiologist who had not been recently hospitalized were enrolled. KCCQ-12 domains and HRQOL metrics, including physical limitation, quality of life, and overall summary score, had a statistically significant improvement. Social limitations and symptom frequency had a trend toward improvement but did not reach statistical significance. Within the reduced HF subgroup, symptom frequency had a statistically significant improvement. <b>Conclusion:</b> This pilot project demonstrates that a guideline-driven patient education intervention via a unique HF packet with NP follow-up to reinforce education improved overall HF HRQOL. Larger studies are needed to generalize these findings to the greater HF population and confirm that utilization of this model in clinical settings can improve HRQOL. <b>Implications for Nursing:</b> Doctors of Nursing Practice continue to provide high-quality patient care and education. This project demonstrates that the implementation of a well-structured patient education approach can improve HF quality of life outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":40310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nicole Peters Kroll, Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo, Kimberly Belcik, Cindy Weston, Elizabeth Wells-Beede
{"title":"Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment Training for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Students: A Case Study and Future Directions for Virtual Reality Integration.","authors":"Nicole Peters Kroll, Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo, Kimberly Belcik, Cindy Weston, Elizabeth Wells-Beede","doi":"10.1891/JDNP-2025-0057","DOIUrl":"10.1891/JDNP-2025-0057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) play a vital role in addressing substance use disorders, particularly in underserved regions. <b>Objective:</b> This article aimed to explore the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) screen-based simulation in enhancing PMHNP training by using a large language model to process and understand human language. <b>Methods:</b> Three PMHNP students in a second-semester adult mental health course piloted a web-based AI simulation. Two completed postsimulation surveys assessing ease of use, realism, and educational impact. <b>Results:</b> Students reported increased confidence and found the simulation engaging, user-friendly, and realistic. They noted the absence of nonverbal cues but praised responsiveness and relevance. All respondents recommended the simulation for broader use. <b>Conclusions:</b> AI-based SBIRT training tools are promising for scalable, consistent, and effective PMHNP education. <b>Implications for Nursing:</b> Integration of AI and future virtual reality platforms utilizing a 3D display in a headset may improve mental health provider preparedness, access to simulation in rural areas, and educational outcomes while maintaining the foundational principles of therapeutic communication.</p>","PeriodicalId":40310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice","volume":" ","pages":"189-195"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145507626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cheryl A Fisher, Cory W Stephens, David J Bunnell, Amanda N Roesch, Veronica A Quattrini
{"title":"Preparing Doctoral Nurse Leaders to Champion Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Education.","authors":"Cheryl A Fisher, Cory W Stephens, David J Bunnell, Amanda N Roesch, Veronica A Quattrini","doi":"10.1891/JDNP-2025-0056","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JDNP-2025-0056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Artificial intelligence (AI) presents transformative opportunities in nursing education, particularly in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, where preparing graduates for technology-enhanced clinical practice is essential. However, faculty face challenges related to ethical concerns, technical proficiency, and workload demands. <b>Objective:</b> This quality improvement project evaluated the Faculty AI Champion Program, designed to build faculty competence and confidence in integrating AI tools into DNP curricula and across the health professions. <b>Methods:</b> A mixed-method, single-site pilot using a one-group pretest-posttest design was implemented, guided by the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) framework. Seven faculty members participated in completing the full program, which included workshops, hands-on training, and peer support. <b>Results:</b> Participants reported increased AI understanding (mean score improvement from 3.4 to 4.25) and enhanced self-efficacy (67% stated \"yes\") in identifying and applying AI tools. Faculty rated program satisfaction highly (mean score 9.5/10). Qualitative feedback highlighted interest in practical AI applications. <b>Conclusions:</b> The Faculty AI Champion Program effectively enhanced faculty knowledge and confidence in AI integration, supporting both productivity and pedagogical innovation. <b>Implications for Nursing:</b> Scaling this program can help address faculty shortages, reduce workload pressures, and strengthen competency-based DNP education through responsible AI use. Institutional support is critical for faculty development and ethical AI integration.</p>","PeriodicalId":40310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice","volume":"18 3","pages":"181-188"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145764032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reimagining Graduate Study With Generative Artificial Intelligence-Supported Study Strategies: A Doctor of Nursing Practice Student's Perspective.","authors":"Katie A Silva, Deanna M Sheets","doi":"10.1891/JDNP-2025-0058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JDNP-2025-0058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education by offering accessible tools that enhance comprehension and efficiency. While AI use in clinical decision-making is expanding, little research explores how Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students use AI to support their academic learning. <b>Objective:</b> The aim of the study was to describe a DNP student's experience using a generative AI tool to supplement traditional study strategies and improve learning outcomes. <b>Methods:</b> This case narrative outlines how Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), an AI tool, was integrated into a first-year DNP student's daily study routines for concept simplification, reinforcement through repetition, and clarification of complex content. The approach is evaluated against academic performance, clinical feedback, and alignment with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials. <b>Results:</b> ChatGPT improved study efficiency, enhanced understanding of complex material, and supported academic and clinical performance. The tool aligned with core nursing competencies by promoting critical thinking, personalized learning, and ethical technology use. <b>Conclusions:</b> When used responsibly and verified against reliable sources, AI tools can supplement traditional learning methods in nursing education. <b>Implications for Nursing:</b> By using AI as a study tool, graduate-level nursing students can strengthen critical thinking, improve knowledge retention, and support the development of confident, self-directed advanced practice nurses who are prepared for modern clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":40310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice","volume":"18 3","pages":"196-204"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145764088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sun Jones, Linnea M Axman, Erich Widemark, Carol Bafaloukos, Evangeline Tejada Sabado, Chesley Cranch-Kaniut, Margo S Patterson
{"title":"Enhancing the Objective Structured Clinical Examination Using Artificial Intelligence.","authors":"Sun Jones, Linnea M Axman, Erich Widemark, Carol Bafaloukos, Evangeline Tejada Sabado, Chesley Cranch-Kaniut, Margo S Patterson","doi":"10.1891/JDNP-2025-0061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JDNP-2025-0061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Artificial intelligence (AI) offers promising solutions for nurse practitioner education, especially in addressing challenges related to evaluating Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), such as examiner bias and delayed feedback. AI tools employing natural language processing and generative AI have the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of clinical assessments. <b>Objective:</b> This product evaluation was conducted to determine whether AI-generated OSCE assessments align with faculty evaluations. <b>Methods:</b> A descriptive correlational design was used to assess product acceptability, feasibility, and agreement between AI and faculty assessments. A convenience sample of 13 nurse practitioner students was randomly divided into either a traditional evaluation group or an AI-assisted group. The AI-generated transcripts were scored using the same rubric used by faculty, and agreement was measured with Spearman's correlation, Cohen's Kappa, and interrater reliability percent agreement (IRR%). <b>Results:</b> Spearman's correlations ranged from negligible to moderate, with the highest in the physical/mental health exams category (<i>r</i> = .54, <i>p</i> < .05). However, Cohen's Kappa (.14-.41) and IRR% (31%-54%) showed weak agreement. <b>Conclusions:</b> These results suggest that AI feedback was inconsistent with faculty assessments, possibly due to technical issues and limitations in the rubric. Despite these limitations, this product evaluation demonstrated that the AI tool was easy to use and that faculty believed it could improve feedback quality. <b>Implications for Nursing:</b> These findings underscore both the promise and the current limitations of AI-supported clinical assessment. With thoughtful attention to these shortcomings, the ease of integration and capacity for enhanced learning offered by AI tools can help advance clinical competence and foster excellence in nurse practitioner and doctoral nursing education.</p>","PeriodicalId":40310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145726650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multimodal Palliative Education Integrated With Cutting-Edge Technology for Acute Care Nurses.","authors":"Lauren Assayag, Christine King, Angela Jun","doi":"10.1891/JDNP-2024-0014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JDNP-2024-0014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The lack of palliative care education and communication among frontline nurses impacts care for patients with advanced chronic diseases. Literature suggested that additional educational approaches positively influence nurses' knowledge and communication. <b>Objective:</b> The aim of this study was to augment their understanding of palliative care and enhance their self-efficacy in palliative care communication by an innovative educational intervention tailored for acute care nurses. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 13 participants completed multimodal education, including a 50-minute recorded lecture, a virtual reality-based clinical vignette, and a laminated infographic badge. Four outcomes were measured pre- and postimplementation. <b>Results:</b> Engagement in palliative care discussions was increased by approximately 24.4%. More than 60% of participants expressed extreme presence in a virtual reality environment, and 92% of them would use virtual reality again in the future. <b>Conclusion:</b> Multimodal palliative education integrated with cutting-edge technology successfully helped acute care nurses engage in more palliative care discussion. Virtual reality was well accepted as an educational method. Expanding this educational approach may increase utilization of palliative care services, reduce health care costs, and prevent human suffering from unnecessary medical services near the end of life. <b>Implications for Nursing:</b> Innovative approaches to palliative care education such as virtual reality can be used as a successful educational modality for registered nurses.</p>","PeriodicalId":40310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145575040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Resilience and Burnout in Middle-Aged Climacteric Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Seonah Lee","doi":"10.1891/JDNP-2025-0008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/JDNP-2025-0008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Adverse symptoms associated with menopause can resemble burnout symptoms. Resilience and menopausal symptom-related burnout have not been addressed in middle-aged climacteric women. <b>Objectives:</b> The aim of the study is to investigate the association between resilience and burnout in middle-aged climacteric women. <b>Methods:</b> Two hundred middle-aged women aged 44-55 years were recruited through an online survey panel developed by a survey company. Data were collected using Korean versions of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory's Personal Burnout Instrument and Brief Resilience Scale. <b>Results:</b> Resilience, living alone, and the absence of menopausal symptoms were significantly associated with reduced burnout. In contrast, the perception of oneself as unhealthy and a body mass index range representing underweight were significantly associated with increased burnout. Findings using mean analysis showed that the more severe the menopausal symptoms are, the higher the burnout score is. <b>Conclusions:</b> Resilience, menopausal symptoms, living alone, the perception of unhealthiness, and a very low body weight should be considered important factors when addressing burnout among middle-aged climacteric women in community and clinical practice. <b>Implications for Nursing:</b> The relationships among burnout, menopausal symptoms, and resilience should be considered in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":40310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145575018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}