Date of this Version

2023

Document Type

DNP Project

Abstract

Abstract

Hydration improves health and performance and affects all age groups (Holdsworth, 2012; Munteanu et al., 2021). Predictions are that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated (Taylor & Jones, 2020). Hydration improves cognition and health (Haghighatdoost et al., 2018). This Quality Improvement Project (QIP) evaluated the impact of an educational intervention among healthcare providers on the science behind adequate hydration in mental health patients. The project evaluated self-efficacy, attitudes, and awareness among healthcare providers.

The project was based on a pre-test/post-test survey method with a total of 15 participants drawn from a convenience sample that volunteered for the education intervention. The participants included mental health care providers, which consisted of licensed mental health counselors (LMHC), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNP-BC), psychologists, and psychiatrists. 0.05. The pre-test and post-test for knowledge scores p-value was 0.003. This is less than 0.05 and is considered statistically significant. This significant result means that the null hypothesis may be rejected, as there is no change in scores.

Despite the limitations identified in this study, the educational intervention regarding knowledge and awareness of hydration presents a valuable tool for increasing knowledge and self-efficacy in educating healthcare providers. Results of this project have positive implications for nursing practice, healthcare outcomes, healthcare delivery, and policy changes.

Keywords: “dehydration”, “hydration”, “mental function”, “cognition”, “mood”, AND “memory”

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