Date of Award
Fall 10-21-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
December 2025
College Granting Degree
Christine E Lynn College of Nursing
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Candy Wilson
Thesis/Dissertation Co-Chair
Steven Cardenas
Abstract
Sexual health is an essential aspect of overall well-being but is often overlooked in primary care due to provider discomfort, time constraints, and lack of standardized screening protocols. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to implement a consistent approach to screening for sexual dysfunction using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), a validated five-item tool assessing sex drive, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. Guided by Swanson’s Theory of Caring and Pender’s Health Promotion Model, the project emphasized compassionate, patient-centered care and the promotion of health-enhancing behaviors.
Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, the ASEX tool was incorporated into annual wellness visits following provider training. Seven of ten providers attended the training; two reported prior awareness of the tool. Post-training surveys indicated strong willingness to implement ASEX (mean = 4/5). However, only two providers implemented the screening as part of their routine. Over three months, 30 patients were screened, with ASEX scores ranging from 5 to 20. Female participants reported slightly higher mean scores (M = 13.83) than males (M = 11.39), though no statistically significant gender or age differences were identified (p > .05). Two patients screened positive and received appropriate evaluation and referrals.
Findings highlight that sexual dysfunction affects adults across demographics, reinforcing the need for routine screening in primary care. Sustaining ASEX integration through education, chart audits, and EHR prompts can improve early detection, enhance communication, and promote holistic patient care. Embedding caring practices into sexual health assessment, can create a supportive environment and promotes overall well-being. Future DNP initiatives should examine long-term outcomes and provider education strategies to strengthen sexual health assessment practices.
Recommended Citation
D’Anna, Ashley M., "A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO STANDARDIZE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION SCREENING IN PRIMARY CARE" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 156.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/156