Date of Award
Fall 2015
Project Type
Thesis
College or School
CHHS
Department
Nursing
Program or Major
Nursing
Degree Name
Master of Science
First Advisor
Pamela P. DiNapoli
Abstract
Background: As the incidence of cognitive impairment continues to rise, timely and accuratediagnoses are essential. Aim: The aim of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the standard cognitiveassessment screening for Bhutanese refugees in a medical home, and compare an alternative,validated, and potentially more culturally appropriate tool. Also, an assessment of provider,nurse and interpreter satisfaction with the two tools was performed. Method: Mixed methods including qualitative observations and quantitative satisfaction surveysrelated to the implementation of a culturally appropriate cognitive assessment tool. Results: When assessed with the standard tool, all 10 people screened positive for cognitiveimpairment. However, when using the alternative tool on the same sample, 4 of the 7 peoplescreened positive, but with less impairment. Accounting for this difference was language,literacy and a different alphabet. Results of the pre-and-post surveys indicated an increase inprovider, nurse and interpreter satisfaction with the alternative cognitive assessment screeningtool with Bhutanese refugees. Conclusion and Implications for CNL Practice: Providing culturally appropriate screeningtools in diverse populations potentially decreases the chance of misdiagnosis and under-diagnosis. The validated alternative tool has the potential of providing more accurate andtimelier diagnoses, resulting in a higher level of patient and family-centered care andsatisfaction. Limitations and Clinical Nurse Leader implications will be discussed.
Recommended Citation
Milligan, Holly, "A Culturally Appropriate Cognitive Assessment Screening for Bhutanese Refugees" (2015). Master's Theses and Capstones. 12.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/12
