Sexually transmitted infections and HIV rates among U.S. adolescents continue to rise, with barriers including limited awareness, stigma, and reduced healthcare access. To address this problem, Patricia Monterrosa, a 2026 graduate of the DNP program, evaluated whether an age-appropriate script could increase STI and HIV screening rates among patients between the ages of 13 and 24 at a Midwestern Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Monterrosa conducted her research project at the Jane Pauley Community Health Center in Indianapolis.
Methods
A quasi-experimental design compared intervention and control clinics over 12 weeks. Staff at the intervention clinic used a standardized script to introduce opt-out STI and HIV screening during routine visits after completing a 10-minute workflow training.
Conclusion
HIV screening rates were significantly higher in the intervention clinic compared to the control clinic (77% vs. 31%, p=.006). However, the intervention clinic demonstrated significant increases in both STI and HIV screening rates from pre- to post-intervention (p=.001).
A standardized, age-appropriate opt-out screening script improved HIV screening rates and increased overall STI and HIV screening over time. This low-resource intervention may support earlier detection of STIs and HIV among adolescents and young adults.
We spoke with Monterrosa to learn more about why she chose the DNP program and what inspired her project.
What inspired you to pursue a DNP?
My inspiration to pursue a DNP arose from working with underserved and vulnerable populations at FQHCs. Pursuing a DNP was the next step to strengthening my leadership abilities, allowing me to have a greater impact on vulnerable communities and future nurses who are also enthusiastic about health equity and vulnerable populations.
How did you become interested in this topic?
Adolescent care has been an area of interest for me because this vulnerable population is often overlooked. Nurses play a vital role in adolescent health and should be able to recognize and address developmental changes, as well as physical, social, and behavioral health concerns.
Hopes for future impact on the nursing profession?
I look forward to continuing to care for underserved populations while expanding my involvement in nursing education and leadership. I hope to focus my career on minority and refugee health through practice, education, and mentoring. In addition, I hope to contribute to the development of clinical protocols and quality-improvement initiatives within my organization to enhance patient outcomes, strengthen nursing advocacy, and support innovation in healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations.
