Date of Publication
2025
Project Team
Dr. Rebecca Nagle APRN, Dr. Kori Gargano APRN
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: Older adults in the vascular surgery department face multiple obstacles in achieving optimal nutrition for wound healing. This project aimed to identify the most common barriers to proper nutrition in this patient population. A secondary goal was to provide nutritional education to improve dietary intake in individuals over 60 years old with venous insufficiency wounds.
Methods: A screening survey was administered to patients in the vascular surgery department to assess barriers to proper nutrition. Providers distributed educational materials on optimal dietary intake for wound healing, along with information on food resources. The intervention was documented in the electronic health record using a dot phrase.
Results: Data were collected from twenty patients over 60 years of age with venous insufficiency wounds. The most prevalent barrier identified was a lack of education, followed by motivation, access, and cost. Transportation was not reported as a barrier. Providers implemented the educational intervention in only 16.7% of eligible visits, citing time constraints as the primary obstacle.
Conclusions: Limited provider time during patient visits significantly impacts the delivery of nutritional education. Addressing this barrier could improve dietary habits and wound healing outcomes in older adults with venous insufficiency. Future efforts should focus on integrating efficient educational strategies within clinical workflows.
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Recommended Citation
McDermott, Cambria E., "Enhancing Patient Education and Overcoming Barriers to Access: Optimizing Nutritional Support for Wound Healing" (2025). College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications. 185.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/cnhsdnp/185
