Abstract

Purpose and Rationale

The purpose of this project is to improve the follow-up care given to adult patients, 18 years and older, who require human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) treatment after a sexual assault. The goal is to determine if organizational alignment with HIV nPEP clinical guidelines through staff education improves medication adherence for adult sexual assault patients. Currently, sexual assault survivors have the lowest medication adherence rate to HIV nPEP among those at risk for HIV.

Synthesis of Evidence

The evidence supports the standardization of care for sexual assault patients' individual needs. Educating health care professionals about HIV nPEP follow-up care may improve nurse and provider knowledge associated with potential HIV exposure following a sexual assault. Evidenced supports following a standard clinical guideline within an organization to help promote follow-up and adherence rates. Furthermore, evidence recommends providing additional services such as psychosocial and financial support to improve patient outcomes.

Practice Change and Implementation Strategies

The initial practice change involves standardizing the care process within the organization by involving key stakeholders that care for sexual assault patients during follow-up care. Next, the project leads will provide an educational presentation for nurses and providers who provide care for sexual assault patients. Education will include knowledge of the HIV nPEP process, current follow-up care, and future follow-up care.

Evaluation

The project leads will assess the participants for their HIV nPEP knowledge through the results of the pre-and post-questionnaire. The questionnaire results will be analyzed using a t-test analysis. The evaluation will also consist of a chart audit completed in August 2021 to determine whether the one-week follow-up phone call has occurred and if documentation on HIV nPEP regimen has been completed.

Conclusion and Implications for Practice

This project will facilitate organizational practice via education with the most current clinical guideline and evidence. This guideline includes offering follow-up, thus evaluating adherence to HIV nPEP treatment.

Date of Project Completion

Summer 7-15-2021

Document Type

Project Paper

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Jen Prochnow

Second Advisor

Diane Forsythe

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