Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

Background: Breast and cervical cancers continue to have a significant impact on the lives of many women. Cancer screenings are crucial for early detection and treatment; however, the lack of cancer screenings have been associated with many factors related to patient adherence. Communication built on enriching interpersonal relationships between health care professionals and the people they serve may improve patient adherence in overcoming the unique and individualistic barriers to screening tests. Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve breast and cervical cancer screening rates among women in a rural primary care clinic by implementing an educational intervention that standardized basic knowledge of breast and cervical cancer, USPSTF recommendations, and promoted effective communication through interpersonal relationships. Theoretical Framework / Methods: Hildegard Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations was used to guide the conceptual framework of this project. The Model for Improvement was the preferred methodology that guided the project initiatives. A 31-item Self-Assessment of the Interpersonal Relationship Scale was used to assess interpersonal communication, and a 10-item test was used to assess knowledge on cancer screening tests before and after the educational session Results / Conclusion: All participants completed project activities, providing data for analysis at pre- and post-intervention periods. The implementation of the educational intervention may have led to an improvement to staff learning, communication, and patient screening rates. Though data results were specific to this clinic and single setting, the decision to inform the project on Peplau’s theory was supported.