DNP-PhD Collaboration in NINR-Funded Physical Activity Trials: A Series of Case Studies.

Collaboration between Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) scholars and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholars is crucial to efficiently advance and disseminate nursing science. Also, DNP-PhD collaboration can help achieve priorities outlined in the recent National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) Strategic Plan. The purpose of this series of case studies is to describe exemplars of ongoing DNP-PhD collaborations across three NINR-funded trials (1 completed, 2 ongoing) testing physical activity interventions for women at risk for cardiovascular disease. In our three physical activity intervention trials for women, we categorized examples of DNP-PhD collaboration by the four phases of the team-based research model (development, conceptualization, implementation, and translation). Across all three trials, DNP and PhD scholars contributed successfully to all phases of research in an iterative manner. Future work should focus on expanding DNP-PhD collaboration in behavioral trials, which can inform adapted, contemporary models of iterative DNP-PhD collaboration.

Implementation of a Diabetes Transition of Care Program.

For adolescents with diabetes, ineffective health care transition to adult health services may result in suboptimal adherence to medical supervision, leading to poor glycemic control, increased diabetes complications, and hospitalization. Despite national recommendations, few youth receive the needed preparation to transition to adult health services. A data transition registry was created at a large Midwest urban academic medical center to identify patients 14 years and older with Type 1 diabetes. Thirty-nine patients with Type 1 diabetes were identified, and 33 were eligible to begin transition planning. Baseline Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaires (TRAQs) were completed in 21 (64%) of the 33 identified patients, with a mean TRAQ skill score of 66.62 out of 100. There was no correlation between better TRAQ scores and hemoglobin A1c level. Participants had lower baseline TRAQ scores for appointment keeping and tracking health issues. Participants were confident managing daily activities, talking with providers, and managing medications.