Date
6-26-2025
Department
School of Nursing
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Chair
Rachel Harris
Keywords
PTSD, Screening, PC-PTSD-5
Disciplines
Nursing
Recommended Citation
Schat, Kimberly Inez, "Implementation of an Education Program for a PTSD Screening Tool to Increase Knowledge Among Providers within the Primary Care Setting" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7140.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7140
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in primary care settings, leading to delays in treatment and poorer patient outcomes. This scholarly project aims to enhance primary care providers' knowledge and application of PTSD screening tools, specifically the PC-PTSD-5, through a structured educational intervention. The project follows a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design, assessing providers' baseline knowledge, delivering targeted education, and measuring changes in knowledge and confidence post-intervention.
Data analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in providers' ability to identify PTSD symptoms, utilize appropriate screening tools, and refer patients for timely treatment. The project highlights the clinical significance of routine PTSD screening, reinforcing the importance of integrating mental health assessment into primary care practice. Sustainability considerations include incorporating PTSD education into continuing professional development programs and leveraging electronic health record prompts to facilitate screening. Dissemination strategies involve presenting findings at professional conferences, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and collaborating with national PTSD awareness organizations.
By improving provider education and screening practices, this project contributes to early PTSD recognition, timely intervention, and improved patient outcomes, ultimately enhancing the quality of care for high-risk populations, including veterans and trauma survivors.
