Defense Date
7-17-2025
Graduation Date
Summer 8-8-2025
Submission Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program
School
School of Nursing
Faculty Mentor
Mary C. Loughran
Committee Member
Emily McGahey
Keywords
gonorrhea, chlamydia, self-collected vaginal swabs, universal trauma- informed care
Abstract
Background & Significance: The sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemic in the United States remains a public health concern, with over 2.4 million cases in 2023 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). Increased screening can help prevent complications and enable treatment for the sexual partners of these asymptomatic infections (CDC, 2024). The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that obstetrician-gynecology offices aim to provide universal trauma-informed care (TIC) to all patients (McNicholas et al., 2021). Purpose: Universal TIC practices were used to improve acceptance of gonorrhea and chlamydia (GC/CT) testing among at-risk individuals by adding a self-collected vaginal swab (SCVS) testing option alongside the standard gonorrhea and chlamydia tests offered at the center. Intervention: A PDSA model was used to implement a comprehensive approach that trained healthcare providers on GC/CT and SCVS. Universal TIC training was provided to both healthcare providers and staff. Results: Pretest scores ranged from 33.3% to 88%, with an average and median score of 66.67%. After completing the GC/CT education, posttest scores ranged from 77.78% to 100%, with an average of 90%. In 2024, 57.6% of high-risk patients underwent GC/CT testing, compared to 62.7% during the same period in 2025. 100% of those who completed a satisfaction survey stated that they would use SCVS again for GC/CT testing. Conclusion and Implications: A higher rate of GC/CT testing was achieved among individuals at high risk for STIs, along with high levels of patient satisfaction, confidence, and ease in performing the SCVS. Healthcare providers and staff expressed a strong desire to continue improving universal TIC practices at the center through education and related initiatives.
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Bloomburg, Dana M., "INCREASING GONORRHEA AND CHLAMYDIA TESTING BY USING UNIVERSAL TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE AND OFFERING SELF-COLLECTED VAGINAL SWABS TO PATIENTS AT A NON-PROFIT INDEPENDENT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE CENTER" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts. 56.
https://dsc.duq.edu/dnp/56