Clinical Practice Guideline: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Screening Tool for Patients

Clinical Practice Guideline: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Screening Tool for Patients with Cancer by Stephanie Lynn Smith MS, University of Cincinnati, 2013 BS, College of St. Scholastica, 2009 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University November 2019 Abstract The National Institute of Health has estimated that over 1 million new cancer cases will occur yearly. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with near death experiences or traumatic events, such as cancer diagnosis and treatment. There is a lack of knowledge and awareness by healthcare professionals in identifying PTSD in cancer patients. In this population, PTSD symptoms often contribute to anxiety, and thereThe National Institute of Health has estimated that over 1 million new cancer cases will occur yearly. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with near death experiences or traumatic events, such as cancer diagnosis and treatment. There is a lack of knowledge and awareness by healthcare professionals in identifying PTSD in cancer patients. In this population, PTSD symptoms often contribute to anxiety, and there is no standardized protocol being used to screen these individuals for the trauma they are facing or have faced. The purpose of this project was to develop a clinical practice guideline for screening cancer patients for PTSD in a clinic population serving 20% cancer patients. The stress theory developed by Lazarus and Folkman guided this project. The project questions were to identify the most appropriate screening tool for PTSD in cancer patients and recommend a clinical practice guideline to the clinic healthcare providers. Five widely used PTSD screening tools were reviewed. Based on the project question the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale was identified as the most appropriate for this clinic setting and patient population. An expert panel consisting of 3 experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners reviewed the proposed guideline using the AGREE II tool. Using a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree), the team members agreed with a score of 5 or higher in each domain with the proposed guideline. Utilization of this guideline will promote a positive social change towards mental health awareness and improve the quality of life for these patients and their families. Clinical Practice Guideline: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Screening Tool for Patients with Cancer by Stephanie Lynn Smith MS, University of Cincinnati, 2013 BS, College of St. Scholastica, 2009 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University November 2019 Dedication I dedicate this paper to all of those who have had, are currently going through treatments, or will be diagnosed with cancer. To those who have been directly impacted by this terrible disease. To my family, friends, and God who stood by me through this intense time while I completed my doctoral studies. To DJ, who has faced cancer, won, and yet still battles everyday with adversities. To Alexus and Henri who have listened to me say, “no, I can’t, I have to work on this paper. ” I love you all. Acknowledgments Thank you to the Walden University, its faculty, my family members, and friends who have helped me, stood by me, and encouraged my every step to reach this point in my academic career. To Missy for her continued mentorship, expertise, knowledge, and encouragement in my academics. You have taught me all I know, sister.