Date of Award
Fall 12-1-2025
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]
Marlene Brennen
Thesis/Dissertation Co-Chair
Aaron Dubrinsky
Abstract
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a persistent, often irreversible movement disorder associated with long-term use of dopamine receptor–blocking agents. Early identification is critical to prevent progression and minimize functional impairment; however, routine TD screening remains inconsistent in many clinical settings despite the availability of the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), the evidence-based gold-standard tool. This quality improvement project aimed to enhance TD screening in an outpatient psychiatric setting through an educational intervention designed to improve provider knowledge of risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and screening guidelines. Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively from patient encounters, with 33 pre-intervention and 35 post-interventions. AIMS completion increased from 54.5% pre-intervention to 71.4% post-intervention. Three patients screened positive for TD following the intervention, whereas no cases were identified pre-intervention. All patients who screened positive received appropriate treatment, including initiation of VMAT2 inhibitors (Austedo or Ingrezza) and adjustments to antipsychotic medications. Although all the goals were not met, clinically meaningful improvements in screening and identification of TD were observed, demonstrating the value of targeted educational interventions in promoting early detection and treatment.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Dionne, "ENHANCING TD SCREENING WITH THE AIMS SCALE: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 165.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/165