DNP Essential VIII focuses on the DNP prepared nurse's ability to deliver evidence-based care and mentor others on the healthcare team. This assignment aligns with Essential VIII as it requires the DNP student to determine where there is a current gap in research as it relates to the DNP project and how implementation of the project will affect patient care and/or healthcare delivery.

There have been some similar studies discussing reminder systems related to practitioners and EMR systems. Most research has focused on reminder systems for patients as it relates to preventive screenings. Several studies have been done to determine barriers patients face surrounding cervical and breast cancer screening.

Very little studies exist looking into barriers related to medical providers and offering/performing breast and cancer screening.

The few studies I have found relating to reminder systems and medical providers, utilized EMR systems. My project will be implemented in a clinic that still uses paper charts. Paper charting has other barriers associated with reminder systems. Barriers include: inability to do electronic query for diagnosis codes, procedure codes, etc.; relying on staff members to do thorough chart reviews and to identify patients needing cancer screenings.

The “so what” factor is implementing a tool that provides up to date screening recommendations along with questions to help staff and volunteers identify patients eligible for screening.