Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia: Inconsistent Screening Practices and Delayed Result Processing in Children 12-18 Months

Author

• Madonna J. Mahoney Marshall, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow

Graduation Semester and Year

Spring 2026

Language

English

Document Type

DNP Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Kirstine Cope, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

Abstract

Introduction:

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in children aged 12 to 18 months are prevalent conditions that, if not identified and treated early, are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose:

This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of a standardized screening and follow-up protocol on laboratory result retrieval, provider review, and caregiver follow-through in a military pediatric clinic.

Method:

A pre-post intervention design guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework was implemented over 11 weeks and included staff education, standardized workflows, and caregiver outreach.

Results:

The intervention improved laboratory completion and caregiver follow-up rates; however, sustainability was limited by staffing constraints and reliance on manual processes.

Conclusion:

Standardized protocols can enhance screening outcomes, but system-level interventions, including point-of-care testing and improved integration with electronic health records, are needed to support long-term sustainability.

Keywords: Iron deficiency, Iron deficiency anemia, Pediatric screening, Quality improvement, Primary care, Caregiver follow-through, Delays, Education, Point-of-Care testing, 12 to 18 months, Education

Keywords

Iron deficiency, Iron deficiency anemia, Pediatric screening, Quality improvement, Primary care, Caregiver follow-through, Delays, Education, Point-of-Care testing, 12 to 18 months, Education

Disciplines

Family Medicine | Maternal and Child Health | Other Public Health | Pediatric Nursing | Pediatrics | Quality Improvement

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Mahoney Marshall, Madonna J., "Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia: Inconsistent Screening Practices and Delayed Result Processing in Children 12-18 Months" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects-Archive. 141.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/nursing_dnpprojects/141