Best Practices for Writing Conclusions in a DNP Nursing Capstone Project

The conclusion of your DNP Nursing Capstone Project is the final opportunity to reflect on the results and provide actionable insights. A strong conclusion will summarize key findings, discuss their implications, and offer recommendations for practice, policy, or further research.

4.1 Summarize Key Findings

Start by briefly summarizing the most important findings of your project. Revisit the research question or problem and emphasize how the intervention impacted patient care, nursing practice, or the healthcare system. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion; instead, focus on reinforcing the significance of what has been presented.

4.2 Discuss the Implications

Discuss the implications of your findings for nursing practice, healthcare delivery, or policy. For example, if your project focused on improving nurse-patient communication, your conclusion could discuss how better communication could lead to higher patient satisfaction and improved health outcomes. Be sure to consider the broader impact your findings could have within the healthcare system.

4.3 Address Limitations

Acknowledge any limitations or challenges encountered during the project. This could include barriers to data collection, time constraints, or factors that may have influenced the results. Addressing limitations shows a critical understanding of the research process and adds credibility to the project.

4.4 Recommendations

End with recommendations for future practice or research. This could involve suggesting improvements to the intervention, proposing additional studies, or recommending the integration of your findings into practice. Recommendations guide the next steps for healthcare professionals or researchers interested in further developing the area.