DNP Nursing Capstone Project Ideas for Healthcare Improvement

DNP nursing capstone projects focus on improving healthcare delivery, enhancing patient outcomes, and optimizing healthcare systems. Here are some potential ideas for DNP nursing capstone projects:

3.1 Reducing Hospital Readmissions

Develop and implement a program to reduce hospital readmissions for patients with chronic conditions such as heart failure or diabetes. The project could involve improving discharge planning, enhancing patient education, or developing follow-up care protocols.

3.2 Enhancing Pain Management

Create a pain management protocol for postoperative patients that incorporates multimodal pain management techniques. Evaluate its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes and reducing opioid use.

3.3 Improving Nursing Hand-Off Communication

Design an intervention to improve hand-off communication during shift changes or patient transfers between departments. The project could involve the implementation of standardized communication tools or technology to reduce errors and improve continuity of care.

3.4 Infection Control in Long-Term Care

Develop a quality improvement project focused on reducing hospital-acquired infections in long-term care settings. The project might focus on improving infection prevention practices, hand hygiene compliance, or patient education.

3.5 Telehealth for Rural Populations

Create a telehealth program aimed at improving access to healthcare for rural or underserved populations. The project could involve training nurses to deliver remote care and evaluating the impact on patient satisfaction and health outcomes.

3.6 Managing Chronic Disease in Primary Care

Design a program to improve the management of chronic diseases such as hypertension or diabetes in primary care settings. This could involve creating a protocol for routine screening, patient education, and follow-up care.