Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

• Committee Chair Name & Credentials:
  Jason Jean, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
• Committee Member Name & Credentials:
  Jason Jean, DNP, RN, FNP-BC

DNP Project Abstract

Improving Retention Rate and Completion of Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Utilizing Electrical Crosswave Conduction Therapy for Symptomatic Patients Aged 65 and Older

Purpose
Evaluate retention rates among patients enrolled in peripheral neuropathy treatment program using electrical crosswave conduction therapy and implement strategies to improve compliance rates, and thereby, improve patient outcomes.

Methods
The PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) Cycle was utilized for this quality improvement project. Baseline patient sensory symptom and objective (TORONTO) exam data were obtained, and patient compliance rates were compared. An additional sensory symptom and objective (TORONTO) exam were implemented at the halfway point of the treatment plan to evaluate progress made.

Results
A comparison was made between the data collected for the baseline cohort and the implementation cohort. The treatment completion rate of the baseline cohort was 70.83%, as compared to the implementation cohort’s completion rate of 91.67%. The implementation cohort reported more response to stimuli (TORONTO exam score), lower pain ratings, and a lower subjective symptom profile.

Implications for Practice
The implementation of this (TORONTO) exam halfway through the point of treatment improved compliance and completion of the prescribed treatment regimen by over 20%. Patients in the implementation cohort subjectively and objectively had better symptom relief, and less pain than did the baseline cohort, and improved treatment satisfaction overall.