Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

• Committee Chair Name & Credentials:
  Laurie Connors PhD(c), DNP, FNP-BC, AGN-BC, AOCNP, FAANP, FAAN
• Committee Member Name & Credentials:
  Ty Williams DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CNE; Ruth Kleinpell PhD, ACNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, MCCM

DNP Project Abstract

Comparing Health Literacy Satisfaction Rates in Diverse Communities of Chattanooga, TN

Purpose
The purpose of this project is to analyze the impact of community outreach programs on health knowledge deficit and satisfaction rates for minority communities in Chattanooga, TN.

Methods
This project analyzed satisfaction rates pre and post community outreach programs in the Orchard Knob community and the Purpose Point community located in Chattanooga, TN. Descriptive analysis was conducted for Orchard Knob Health Fair (N=37) and Purpose Point Health Fair (N=44). The results were stratified to compare the satisfaction rates between both health fairs.

Results
A total of 80 satisfaction surveys were analyzed. Overall, Orchard Knob Community percent satisfaction had a greater increase post health fair compared to the Purpose Point Community. Orchard Knob Health (OKH) Fair percent satisfaction increased from 88% (N=32) to 100% (N=36) for the survey question “did the healthcare professional feel warm and friendly.” OKH percent satisfaction increased from 88% (N=32) to 100% (N=36) for the survey questions “Did the healthcare professional listen carefully to you.” Whereas PPH had a smaller increase of 93% (N=42) to 95% (N=43). OKH percent satisfaction increased from 92% (N=33) to 100% (N=36) for the question “did the healthcare professional encourage you to ask questions.” PPH satisfaction rates increased from 81% (N=35) to 84% (N=37). PPH percent satisfaction increased from 81% (N=35) to 100% N=44) for the question “did the healthcare professional answer all your questions to your satisfaction.”

Implications for Practice
The community outreach events conducted in Chattanooga, TN yielded an increased satisfaction with health professionals and health literacy. These health fair events may contribute to increased trust between diverse communities and health care professionals. Health literacy impacts population health outcomes. Life expectancy for Orchard Knob community is 72.50, whereas the life expectancy for the Purpose Point Community was 71.50. By increasing community trust and health literacy through community outreach programs, health outcomes may improve for the individuals of these diverse communities. This may in turn impact life expectancy rates within these zipcodes.