DNP Nursing Capstone Project Topics for Patient Care Quality

Patient care quality is a central focus of many DNP nursing capstone projects. The following are potential project topics that aim to enhance care delivery, improve patient outcomes, and address challenges in healthcare systems:

2.1 Reducing Hospital Readmissions

Create and implement a program to reduce hospital readmissions, particularly for patients with chronic diseases such as heart failure or COPD. The project might include improving discharge planning, follow-up care, and patient education.

2.2 Pain Management in Post-Surgical Patients

Develop a protocol for multimodal pain management to improve patient satisfaction, reduce opioid use, and enhance recovery post-surgery. This can include non-pharmacological methods such as physical therapy, aromatherapy, or acupuncture.

2.3 Infection Control in ICU Settings

Design and implement an infection prevention and control program in the intensive care unit (ICU). This could focus on reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) such as central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) or ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

2.4 Improving Medication Adherence

Develop a program to improve medication adherence for patients with chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes. This could involve creating a patient education program or using digital tools like mobile apps or reminder systems.

2.5 Enhancing Nurse-Patient Communication

Design a program to improve communication between nurses and patients, ensuring that patients understand their treatment plan, medications, and post-discharge care instructions. This could include training for nurses on effective communication techniques.

2.6 Reducing Patient Falls

Implement an evidence-based fall prevention program in a hospital or nursing home setting. This could involve identifying high-risk patients, providing staff education, and modifying the physical environment to reduce falls.