Date of Award

8-1-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing (ND)

First Advisor

Dr. Brenda Hage

Abstract

Heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans. Patient’s high cholesterol numbers are a major risk factor for the development of heart disease. Studies performed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have recognized this as an area in need of improvement. Strategies for improvement of patients’ serum cholesterol and adherence to the recommended therapies have been explored. The purpose of this evidence based project is to compare cholesterol management outcomes in patients cared for by a nurse practitioner, with lipid management certification, to patients cared for by their usual providers, in a population with severe hypercholesterolemia. The population samples, non-pregnant adults, aged 20 years old or greater, will be obtained from patients with a minimum baseline low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of >190. Levels will be accessed through an electronic health record database, on blood work previously ordered by a network provider. All patients in both groups will receive the same standard care available. The difference will be the provider only; the nurse practitioner holds a certification in lipid management. Data analysis will be on the percent change in LDL-C, from baseline at 4 to 12 weeks, as well as provider adherence to the guidelines. The benefit of this investigation is that it may demonstrate a successful treatment strategy for the management of high cholesterol.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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