Author Biographical Info

Sandra(Cassandra) N. Davidson, BSN, RN, is a registered nurse with five years of clinical experience and a Doctor of Nursing Practice student at UT Health Science Center in Houston, with a concentration in psychiatric mental health. Her scholarly work focuses on improving patient safety, healthcare access, and evidence-based clinical practice. Her DNP quality improvement project examines a standardized measles susceptibility screening strategy for perinatal patients.

Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion

Summer 8-7-2026

Faculty Advisor

Kelly Kearney, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Abstract

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to implement a standardized measles susceptibility screening strategy for perinatal patients at a large academic teaching hospital in Texas. The project aimed to improve provider compliance with routine measles immunity screening and laboratory ordering by integrating screening into existing prenatal workflows. Background: Measles remains a highly contagious disease, and ongoing outbreaks in Texas showed gaps in prenatal measles immunity screening. The absence of standardized screening increases the risk of missed opportunities to identify non-immune patients and provide appropriate follow-up. Methodology: Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement model, provider education, electronic medical record (EMR) workflow tools, standardized documentation, and biweekly performance feedback were implemented over a 10-week period. Data were collected from the EMR and analyzed using descriptive statistics and run charts to evaluate provider compliance with measles screening and laboratory ordering. Some challenges included delayed information technology support and manual chart reviews. Results: A total of 475 perinatal patients were evaluated. Measles immunity laboratory screening was completed for 358 patients (75%), while 117 patients (25%) had no documented screening or laboratory order. Screening compliance improved throughout implementation. Implications: By integrating routine measles susceptibility screening into prenatal care improved provider compliance and facilitated earlier identification of non-immune patients. This sustainable workflow supports evidence-based practice, strengthens disease outbreak preparedness, and provides a model for improving maternal health practices in healthcare settings.

Keywords

measles perinatal screening, quality improvement, provider compliance

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