Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
Summer 8-7-2026
Faculty Advisor
Susan R. Stafford DNP, MBA, MPA, RN-BC, NEA-BC
Abstract
Purpose
This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve self-reported job satisfaction among outpatient pulmonary clinic staff through structured educational focus group sessions using iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.
Background
Job satisfaction among clinical staff is a key factor in retention, engagement, and quality of care. Outpatient specialty clinics often face workflow constraints that limit opportunities for structured professional development, which may negatively affect staff satisfaction. Educational and team-based interventions have been shown to improve workplace engagement.
Methodology
Six structured educational focus group sessions were conducted over three months, addressing key clinical and workflow topics. Two PDSA cycles guided real-time modification, including reducing session frequency based on attendance data and streamlining documentation processes. Data were collected using standardized pre- and post-intervention surveys measuring job satisfaction and perceived impact of the sessions.
Results
Pre-intervention results showed 75% of participants reported job satisfaction (agree/strongly agree). After PDSA cycle 1, satisfaction increased to 85.7%. Following PDSA cycle 2, 87.5% reported satisfaction. At final evaluation, 90% of participants reported job satisfaction, with 100% indicating that the focus groups had a positive impact on job satisfaction.
Implications
Structured educational focus groups using PDSA methodology may improve staff job satisfaction in outpatient settings. This intervention is low-cost and feasible due to readily available materials and affordable incentives, and it can be integrated into existing workflows and adapted for other clinical environments. Future work should examine long-term sustainability and scalability across diverse healthcare settings.
Keywords
Job Satisfaction, Educational Focus Groups, Outpatient Clinics
Recommended Citation
Breanna Aromire, "Improving Outpatient Staff Job Satisfaction with Implementation of Structured Educational Focus Groups Program: A Quality Improvement Project" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 219.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/219