Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Date of Award

9-25-2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

College

College of Science and Health

First Advisor

Kelly Lannert

Abstract

Purpose: Honduras has a poverty rate of 74%, with 53.7% of households living in extreme poverty, and approximately 30% of the population lacking access to healthcare or facing significant barriers to care. Sustainable, long-term strategies are needed to improve the delivery of high-quality healthcare in resource-limited settings. The purpose of this project was to implement and evaluate a standardized postoperative order set in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) at the Holy Family Surgery Center (HFSC) in Honduras. Design: This project utilized a quality improvement design to evaluate the implementation of a revised standardized PACU order set during a six-month trial period at a rural surgical center in Honduras. Methods: A revised PACU order set was implemented and evaluated using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected using a Likert-scale survey assessing staff perceptions of the order set’s clarity, usability, applicability, safety, and alignment with evidence-based practice. Qualitative data were obtained through individual staff interviews. Survey data were analyzed to assess whether the revised order set added value and improved efficiency within the HFSC PACU setting. Findings: Survey results demonstrated overall positive staff perceptions of the revised PACU order set, particularly regarding clarity, ease of use, and perceived contribution to patient safety. Qualitative interview data supported these findings, with staff reporting improved consistency in postoperative care and enhanced communication among care team members. Identified barriers included the need for ongoing education, multidisciplinary input, and contextual adaptation to local workflows. Conclusions: The revised standardized PACU order set demonstrated perceived benefits in workflow efficiency, communication, and patient safety within a resource-limited surgical setting. Effective implementation of standardized clinical tools should be multidisciplinary and tailored to local context, prioritizing engagement of end users. This project established a sustainable framework for evaluating future quality improvement initiatives at HFSC and strengthened collaboration between HFSC leadership and the Endeavor Health School of Nurse Anesthesia to support continued improvements in postoperative care.

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Available for download on Friday, October 06, 2028

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