Date of Completion

Spring 5-26-2022

Document Type

Open Access Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Priscilla Gazarian, PhD, CNS, RN

Site Advisor

Principal Courtney Sheppeck, M.S. Ed

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of mental health problems including social and emotional impairments in children and adolescents has increased over the past decade. The increase in the burden of mental health issues among children and adolescents has been noted worldwide as well as the United States.

Local Problem: The large urban elementary and middle school in the northeast region of the United States where the project will be implemented mirrors the national trend of having a large number of students with social, emotional, and behavioral health issues. This site school in particular, has three sub-separate classrooms referred to as the Emotional Impairment Strand (EI Strand). BIMAS (Behavioral Intervention Monitoring Assessment System) scores showed the students in particular in the EI Strand falling into the high risk category in both behaviors and adaptive skills.

Methods: The Alvin Model of Free Improvisation is well suited to guide the development and design of the project implementation. The ability to enjoy music freely using different techniques such as listening, instrument playing, or freely using their voice will be important components of the project intervention. Rapid change PDSA cycles will be used to guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of the project. Lewin’s Change Theory Model will inform the change in practice.

Interventions: The intervention chosen for this project is the implementation of a music program for students who are in a cluster- based learning adaptive behavior program which consists of three sub-separate classrooms. A pre and post BIMAS assessment tool will be administered to the students. The music program will be implemented once a week for forty minutes for a total of eight weeks.

Results: This intervention with be evaluated after the eight weeks. Pre and Post BIMAS results will be analyzed.

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