Dr. (Col.) Alicia Madore, Deputy Commander for Nursing & Health Services, Keller Army Community Hospital (KACH) accepted the ‘Innovation in Practice’ Award, on July 30, 2021, from the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing for the project titled “Nurse-Led Clinic eHealth Care Coordination for Sexually Transmitted Infections.”
The award is based on a creative practice improvement, clearly identifying and employing a theoretical, organizing framework and must be based on best evidence for practice (EBP). This project demonstrates EBP partnerships to develop programs and process improvement that is translatable to the civilian sector as well as impacting military medical readiness.
To develop the project, KACH used a model which focuses on behavioral outcomes and incorporated theories for organizational change, combining innovation with best practices with existing conventional programs. The ‘nurse-led clinic’ was created after determining traditional efforts to identify, treat, and reduce STIs have exclusively required appointing with a licensed independent provider. KACH’s project utilized protocols to breach the access to care gap, empower nurses, and lower cost.
The project integrated a multidisciplinary team approach from diagnosis, clinical consultation and education, medication procurement and treatment, sexual-partner contacting, and 90 day follow-up; in partnership with the patient, to ensure enduring life-style modification for sexual health and wellness.
The capstone was completed in partnership with civilian nurses at Keller Army Community Hospital, and highlights KACH’s contribution to nursing science. Contributing members include Maj. William Pitt, PT, DPT, PhD; Maj. Paul W. Ziegler MSHS, CEN, RN-BC; Ms. Elise Zbar RN, MSN; Ms. Allison Newhard LPN, CTR; and Ms. Kinga B Stala RN, BSN, NYSAFE.
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