Dissertation
Increasing Vitamin K Compliance in a Rural Community Hospital
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2026
Abstract
Background: Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is a preventable but potentially life-threatening condition in newborns. Infants who do not receive vitamin K at birth are at a significantly higher risk to develop VKDB. Increasing parental refusal of vitamin K in a rural hospital setting highlighted a need for improved education and intervention. Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to increase newborn vitamin K compliance rates by implementing evidence-based prenatal education in a rural community hospital. Methods: A quality improvement design utilizing the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model was implemented in an OB/GYN clinic and labor and delivery department. The intervention included standardized prenatal education at the 30 -week visit, educational brochures, pre- and post-surveys, and reinforcement at delivery. Data were collected through surveys and nursery logbook documentation and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings: Prenatal education improved parental knowledge and addressed misconceptions about vitamin K. While baseline awareness of VKDB was low (43%), targeted education reduced concerns related to safety and ingredients. Vitamin K acceptance increased to 99.2%, including 100% of previously undecided parents and 80% of those initially refusing. Discussion: Structured prenatal education effectively improved parental knowledge, reduced hesitancy, and increased compliance with vitamin K administration. Early, consistent, and evidence-based education across providers supports informed decision-making and prevention of VKDB. Integration of standardized education into routine prenatal care is recommended for sustainability and broader implementation.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Increasing Vitamin K Compliance in a Rural Community Hospital
- Creators
- Samantha Harvey - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Samantha Lee (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care)
- Date degree season
- Spring 2026
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2026 Samantha Harvey
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9985217064602771
Metrics
1 Record Views