Date of Award

4-12-2022

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Lisa Van Getson, APRN, DNP, FNP-C

Second Advisor

Susan M. Cutshall, DNP, APRN, CNS

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prevalence rates are increasing within the pediatric population. Often, these children present to emergency departments (EDs) for care that could typically be managed in a primary care setting. Furthermore, pediatric patients with ASD utilize EDs at a rate higher than children without (Baio et al., 2018). Parents, patients, and providers within the pediatric ED setting report a lack of understanding and tools needed to provide quality and meaningful care to this population. The utilization of nurse practitioners in the ED setting is increasing due to affordability and quality of care delivery. The intersection of these two variables presents an important opportunity for the nurse practitioner to serve as a care provider and advocate for children with ASD within the ED setting. It also allows the nurse practitioner working within the ED setting to act as an educator and resource for other providers working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These roles would aid in improving quality of care and health equity to children with ASD

Identifier

SC 11.DNP.2022.Bartell.SJ

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