Date of this Version
7-31-2025
Document Type
DNP Project
Abstract
Wound management is increasingly becoming complex due to rising incidences of chronic non-healing wounds. Notably, the challenge has been exacerbated by inconsistent adherence to the protocol adopted by advanced practice providers (APPs) at the Woundtech facility, leading to disparities in patient outcomes. The computer-based educational intervention model provided a scalable and standardized solution to enhance protocol awareness. Therefore, this quality improvement initiative aimed to develop and assess a computer-based educational module to increase the knowledge of APPs in wound care at Woundtech by 25% within 6 months, ultimately addressing inconsistent care outcomes. The project employed a quasi-experimental study, including pre- and posttest design, conducted at Woundtech, a wound care organization with a robust healthcare workforce and telehealth capabilities. Participants included 11 APPs with at least 6 months of experience, regular computer users, and current patients in need of wound care. Kotter's 8-step change model guided the methodology and data collection, featuring pre- and post-intervention assessments. A paired t-test analysis of knowledge score changes and descriptive statistics analyses were conducted to explore the trends. Findings show a 69.7% increase in APPs' knowledge on wound care management and treatment protocol, surpassing the targeted 25% increase in mean knowledge scores. Participants were assessed using an 11-item survey. Scores rose from a pretest average of 6.27 to a posttest score of 10.64 during the 6 months of the intervention, achieving statistical significance at p < 0.001, where the p-value at t = 10.63. Some of the study's implications include reducing practice variability, improving wound care outcomes, and encouraging other healthcare organizations to adopt digital learning platforms to enhance wound care knowledge. Notable project conclusions were that the intervention is an opportunity to bridge the knowledge gaps in wound care management and treatment among healthcare providers, such as APPs. Sustaining change requires integrating it into practice, securing fiscal support, and aligning policy. Finally, the practice change highlights the role of technology in practice, organizational improvement, and education, providing standardized wound care training.
Recommended Citation
Mendes, Alexandre Faissol, "Enhancing Advanced Practice Providers’ Knowledge of Wound Care Protocol Through a Computer-Based Educational Intervention: A Quality Improvement Initiative Using Kotter’s Change Model" (2025). Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing Student Projects. 342.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cnhs-studentprojects/342