Date of Award

Spring 5-25-2018

Document Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Michael Terry, DNP, FNP, PMHNP

Second Advisor

Kathy James, DNSc, NP

Abstract

Background: More than 50% of patients with severe mental illness carry undiagnosed Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) comorbidities of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes. These patients are three times more likely to die of cardiovascular-related causes; however, this population is not routinely assessed for MetS and frequently lack appropriate treatment.

Objective: The objective is to implement a screening tool designed to identify risk for MetS and trigger appropriate treatment.

Design: The screening tool triggers the provider to address positive criteria through interventions such as further evaluation, medical and/or diabetes educator consultation.

Results: Although overall rates of screening improved significantly, follow-up interventions were inconsistently addressed.

Conclusion: Life expectancy of psychiatric patients is 25 years less than their non-psychiatric counterparts and although there are many factors that contribute to this incongruity, consistent screening and appropriate treatment of MetS may significantly improve patient outcomes. Embedding this tool in the EMR may further improve outcomes.

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