First Advisor

Barbara Berg

College

Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

School

Loretto Heights School of Nursing

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Abstract

cancer screening was addressed by providers in two Denver Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) primary care clinics testing a detailed prostate cancer screening educational pamphlet. Designing a prostate cancer screening educational pamphlet, educating primary care providers via email messages and measuring the providers’ perceptions of guidance provided by the pamphlet using an eight question survey were the means by which VAMC providers engaged in the type of shared decision making that practice guidelines recommend. The completed surveys indicated that the detailed pamphlet did offer providers guidance in explaining, considering, and engaging male veterans in deciding about prostate specific antigen testing. Providers in Firm B Clinic, the comparison group, did not routinely order PSAs because it is no longer a clinical reminder, but fear of liability often led to screening discussions. Despite the challenges, VAMC health care providers educated patients about the risks and benefits of screening before undergoing PSA testing. Public approval of the pamphlet that reflects current evidence based practice ensured that informed prostate cancer decision making was the standard of care within the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.

Date of Award

Spring 2012

Location (Creation)

Colorado (state); Denver (county); Denver (inhabited place)

Rights Statement

All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.

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