Graduate Publications and Other Selected Works - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

11-28-2023

Abstract

Reducing Hopelessness in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: Educational Intervention

BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s disease (PD), features several non-motor manifestations, including cognitive dysfunction, which impacts patients and their families. Depression, hopelessness, and anxiety are all prevalent in the psychiatric conditions of PD. In fact, at least 50% of those diagnosed with PD will experience some sort of depression, hopelessness, or anxiety disorder after diagnosis (Ray & Agarwal, 2020). The specific purpose of this project was to help patients with PD diagnosis feel less hopeless and more resilient when coping with their symptoms of PD.

LOCAL PROBLEM: The project setting was a rural integrated health clinic. Patients with PD within the patient population are approximately 10 patients. These patients attend a PD support group meeting. The patients with this diagnosis who come to the clinic for their primary care have expressed concerns about their feelings of hopelessness and lack of education on the disease process and symptom management.

METHODS: Levin’s Evidence-Based Practice Improvement Model was the guiding framework for this project. The selection of a questionnaire and the final process for educational implementation and clinical decision-making were determined using PDSA (plan-do-study-act) cycles. Pre-education and post-education were measured, as were the use of the tool.

INTERVENTIONS: The project leader educated the group on the use of movement therapies and the Mediterranean diet to increase symptom control. The 20-question Beck’s Hopelessness scale was used for data collection to assess the symptoms of hopelessness and to track improvement after education on the given topics. A pre-and post-questionnaire was given to each participant and compared to receive the project results.

RESULTS: A paired-sample t-test was used to determine whether there was a statistically significant mean difference between the pre-education hopelessness scores and post-education hopelessness scores. Participants had lower hopelessness scores after the education (M = 3.85, SD = 4.34) as opposed to before the education (M = 5.77, SD = 4.76), a statistically significant mean decrease of 1.92, 95% CI [0.68, 3.17], t(12) = 3.366, p = .006.

CONCLUSIONS: Participants had lower hopelessness scores after the education as opposed to before the education, a statistically significant mean decrease. Educational interventions made this patient population feel heard and understood. There needs to be an increase in the PD support groups and the number of times they can meet per month. The support group needs more professionals willing to come in and speak with the group on symptom control.

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