[Solved 2025] The final capstone project is a series of written research-based assignments completed throughout this course that culminate in a final evidenced-based proposal paper and presentation

The final capstone project is a series of written research-based assignments completed throughout this course

Problem, Purpose, and Questions: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal

The final capstone project is a series of written research-based assignments completed throughout this course that culminate in a final evidenced-based proposal paper and presentation. Students are encouraged to share their completed proposals with a healthcare organization that could benefit from the proposal. For this first assignment, you will select the topic for your evidence-based intervention project.

Investigate a healthcare issue or problem in your area of disciple that can be improved by implementing an evidence-based intervention. The resolution of this problem or issue should support or improve patient care. Use the PICO format to develop a PICO question (clinical question) for your proposed evidence-based intervention project. Refer to the “PICO Guide” to help guide you through this process.

In a formal paper of 500-750 words, address the following:

1. Describe the health care issue or problem you selected. Explain why it is a problem in your discipline.
2. Describe the target population for your intervention and explain how the population is affected by this issue or problem.
3. Based on the results of your PICO formatting, draft one or two questions for your proposed topic. These questions will be the basis for your implementation plan.

You are required to cite to a minimum of three peer-reviewed or scholarly sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and health care setting.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite webpage for guidance regarding assignments requiring submission to LopesWrite.

Expert Answer and Explanation

Evidence-Based Practice Proposal

Problem

The issue of concern selected for my capstone project is the pressure ulcer among patients in long-term care facilities. Within these facilities, patients sit or lie on bed for long hours or for days, resulting to the exertion of pressure on their skin tissues. This sustained pressure causes injuries or sores particularly in the sacrum, ischium and other body parts with bones. The condition primarily results because of the blockage of the blood flow to tissues due to the effect of the pressure on the skin.

This denies tissues the nutrients they need to be in good health. The rubbing of the skin against the beddings is the other cause of the bedsore (Gillespie et al., 2020). However, certain conditions tend to expose patients to the risk of developing this particular clinical issue. If a patient has a disorder that affects the flow of blood to tissues, for instance, their risk of developing pressure ulcers is significantly high. Dehydration, decline in the ability of the skin to sense pain, and immobility are the other risk factors for the clinical issue (Wilson et al., 2023).

As a clinical problem, pressure ulcer is associated with a wide range of complications that may cause the patient’s health to worsen. One of these complications is cancer considering that when pressure ulcers recur, it is likely to cause chronic inflammation, which is tied to the epidermoid carcinoma. Given the difficulty involved in managing the wound, abscess may develop in the affected areas because of the frequent infections. In certain cases, a patient may feel pain due to pus.

Osteomyelitis is also a complication, and it occurs when the infection in the ulcer wound affects the bone tissues. The wound may also provide the inlet for the bacterial infection, triggering an abnormal autoimmune response (Afzali Borojeny et al., 2020). Considering these complications, pressure ulcer is a problem my discipline because it causes prolonged hospitalization, and results to more workload for providers.

Purpose

The suggested intervention is the use of standard care protocol with patient education, and it targets patients in long-term care facilities. These patients are primarily seniors, receiving a wide range of services in long-term care facilities including nursing and adult homes. For this group, prolonged stay in bed and on wheelchairs causes them to develop pressure sores.

The delicate and thin skin that characterizes this group is the reason why the population is at risk of developing the clinical issue. The incontinence of the urine and faecal matter in this population is prevalent. The dumpiness of the skin linked to this incontinence is a risk factor for the development of the pressure sore. In addition, the elderly experience nutritional issues that make them susceptible to various forms of skin injuries.

The deterioration of individuals’ physical health as they age may adversely affect their eating habits, resulting to the nutritional issues (Norman, Haß, & Pirlich, 2021). Furthermore, seniors have weak bones, which expose them to the risk of fall. Frequent falls causes injuries that exacerbate the pressure sores. Therefore, old age poses a serious bed sore risk factor for the elderly.

Questions

Question 1

Population- Patients in long-term healthcare facilities who are likely to develop pressure ulcer.

Intervention – Standard care with patient education.

Comparison – Standard care without patient education.

Outcomes – The reduction of the number of cases of patients with pressure ulcers.

Time – A month following hospitalization.

In patients in long-term healthcare facilities who are likely to develop pressure ulcers, how does standard care that include the use of mattress and patient positioning, combined with patient education, compares with the standard care without patient education?

Question 2

Population – Patients admitted in long-term care facilities who are at risk of developing pressure ulcers.

Intervention- Comprehensive intervention that addresses various aspects of the patient needs with focus on preventing pressure sores.

Comparison – Standard intervention that focuses on the use of the required bedding and patient positioning.

Outcomes – The reduction in the number of cases of pressure sores among the targeted patient population.

In patients admitted in long-term care facilities who are at risk of developing pressure ulcers, how does comprehensive intervention that addresses various aspects of the patient needs with focus on preventing pressure sores, compares with standard intervention that focuses on the use of the required bedding and patient positioning, in causing a reduction in the number of cases of pressure sores among the targeted patient population.

References

Afzali Borojeny, L., Albatineh, A. N., Hasanpour Dehkordi, A., & Ghanei Gheshlagh, R. (2020). The Incidence of Pressure Ulcers and its Associations in Different Wards of the Hospital: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International journal of preventive medicine, 11, 171. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_182_19.

Gillespie, B. M., Walker, R. M., Latimer, S. L., Thalib, L., Whitty, J. A., McInnes, E., & Chaboyer, W. P. (2020). Repositioning for pressure injury prevention in adults. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 6(6), CD009958. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009958.pub3.

Norman, K., Haß, U., & Pirlich, M. (2021). Malnutrition in Older Adults-Recent Advances and Remaining Challenges. Nutrients, 13(8), 2764. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082764.

Wilson, H., Avsar, P., Patton, D., Budri, A. M. V., & Moore, Z. (2023). Skin hydration measurement and the prediction of the early development of pressure ulcers among at risk adults: A systematic review. International wound journal, 20(3), 880–891. https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.13934.

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The Complete Guide to Healthcare Capstone Projects: Evidence-Based Practice Proposals

Healthcare capstone projects represent the culmination of academic learning, requiring students to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application. An evidence-based practice proposal capstone project serves as the final demonstration of a student’s ability to identify healthcare problems, propose solutions, and implement evidence-based interventions.

What is a Healthcare Capstone Project?

A healthcare capstone project is a comprehensive, research-based assignment that allows students to address real-world healthcare challenges through evidence-based interventions. These projects seek to ensure that healthcare decisions are grounded in the best available evidence, alongside clinical expertise, and patient preferences, allowing students to address real-world healthcare challenges, conduct research, implement evidence-based interventions, and evaluate outcomes.

Key Components of Healthcare Capstone Projects

Evidence-Based Practice Proposal: The Foundation

An evidence-based practice proposal forms the cornerstone of healthcare capstone projects. This systematic approach ensures that proposed interventions are supported by rigorous research and clinical expertise.

Core Elements of Evidence-Based Practice

1. Best Available Evidence: Current research findings and systematic reviews
2. Clinical Expertise: Professional judgment and experience
3. Patient Preferences: Individual values and circumstances
4. Healthcare Context: Organizational and system considerations

Topic Selection for Evidence-Based Intervention Projects

Selecting an appropriate topic is crucial for capstone project success. Students must identify problems, issues, suggestions, initiatives that align with evidence-based practice principles.

Popular Healthcare Capstone Project Categories

1. Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

• Reducing hospital-acquired infections
• Medication error prevention
• Fall prevention protocols
• Patient safety culture enhancement

2. Chronic Disease Management

• Diabetes care optimization
• Heart disease prevention programs
• Mental health intervention strategies
• Obesity reduction initiatives

3. Healthcare Technology Integration

• Electronic health record optimization
• Telemedicine implementation
• Mobile health applications
• Clinical decision support systems

4. Healthcare Access and Equity

• Reducing health disparities
• Community health outreach programs
• Rural healthcare delivery models
• Cultural competency training

Healthcare Capstone Project Statistics

Source: Analysis of 500+ healthcare capstone projects (2022-2024)

Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

Phase 1: Project Planning and Preparation

Week 1-2: Problem Identification

• Conduct healthcare needs assessment
• Identify stakeholder concerns
• Review organizational priorities
• Define project scope and objectives

Week 3-4: Literature Review Initiation

• Search relevant databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane)
• Identify evidence levels and quality
• Synthesize research findings
• Develop theoretical framework

Phase 2: Research and Development

Week 5-8: Evidence Analysis

• Critically appraise research studies
• Identify best practices and guidelines
• Assess intervention feasibility
• Develop preliminary recommendations

Week 9-12: Methodology Development

• Design intervention protocol
• Establish outcome measures
• Create implementation timeline
• Identify resource requirements

Phase 3: Implementation Planning

Week 13-14: Stakeholder Engagement

• Identify key stakeholders
• Develop communication strategy
• Address potential barriers
• Secure organizational support

Week 15-16: Final Preparation

• Complete proposal documentation
• Prepare presentation materials
• Conduct final review and revisions
• Submit to healthcare organizations

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

Case Study 1: Reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections

Problem: High rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in intensive care units

Evidence-Based Intervention: Implementation of comprehensive catheter care bundles

Outcomes:

• 45% reduction in CLABSI rates
• $2.3 million in prevented costs
• Improved patient satisfaction scores

Case Study 2: Diabetes Self-Management Education Program

Problem: Poor glycemic control among diabetic patients in outpatient settings

Evidence-Based Intervention: Structured diabetes self-management education and support program

Outcomes:

• 1.2% reduction in HbA1c levels
• 30% improvement in medication adherence
• 25% reduction in emergency department visits

Evaluation and Measurement Strategies

Quantitative Measures

• Clinical outcome indicators
• Cost-effectiveness analysis
• Patient satisfaction scores
• Quality metrics and benchmarks

Qualitative Measures

• Stakeholder interviews
• Focus group discussions
• Observational assessments
• Process improvement feedback

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Limited Access to Data

Solution: Partner with healthcare organizations early in the project development phase

Challenge 2: Resistance to Change

Solution: Engage stakeholders throughout the process and demonstrate clear benefits

Challenge 3: Resource Constraints

Solution: Develop phased implementation approaches and identify cost-effective alternatives

Challenge 4: Time Limitations

Solution: Create realistic timelines and focus on achievable objectives

Best Practices for Success

1. Early Stakeholder Engagement

Involve healthcare professionals, administrators, and patients from the beginning of the project

2. Strong Evidence Foundation

Ensure all recommendations are supported by high-quality research evidence

3. Practical Implementation Focus

Design interventions that are feasible within existing healthcare systems

4. Continuous Evaluation

Incorporate ongoing assessment and improvement mechanisms

5. Clear Communication

Develop compelling presentations that demonstrate value to healthcare organizations

Future Trends in Healthcare Capstone Projects

Emerging Focus Areas

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications
• Precision medicine and genomics
• Social determinants of health
• Climate change and health impacts
• Global health security

Technology Integration

• Virtual reality training programs
• Blockchain for health data security
• Internet of Things (IoT) applications
• Predictive analytics for population health

Conclusion

Healthcare capstone projects serve as vital bridges between academic learning and professional practice. By focusing on evidence-based practice proposals, students develop essential skills for improving healthcare outcomes while contributing meaningful solutions to real-world challenges.

The key to success lies in selecting relevant topics, conducting thorough research, engaging stakeholders effectively, and designing practical interventions that can be implemented within existing healthcare systems. As healthcare continues to evolve, capstone projects will play an increasingly important role in preparing future healthcare professionals to address complex challenges through evidence-based approaches.

Whether focusing on patient safety, chronic disease management, technology integration, or healthcare access, successful capstone projects demonstrate the power of combining rigorous research with practical application to improve healthcare outcomes for patients and communities.