How to Document Outcomes and Recommendations in a DNP Nursing Project

The documentation of outcomes and recommendations is a crucial part of a DNP nursing capstone project. This section summarizes the results of the project and provides actionable insights for improving practice, policy, or patient care.

3.1 Documenting Key Outcomes

Documenting the outcomes involves:

• Quantitative outcomes: If applicable, report numerical data showing improvements in patient care, such as reductions in readmission rates, improved clinical indicators (e.g., blood pressure or blood glucose control), or enhanced patient satisfaction scores. Use tables, graphs, or charts to present data clearly.
• Qualitative outcomes: If your project includes qualitative data (e.g., interviews, focus groups), summarize key themes or patterns that emerged, such as staff feedback on the intervention, patient experiences, or workflow improvements.

Ensure the outcomes are compared to baseline data (pre-intervention) and demonstrate the impact of the intervention on the clinical issue. For example, a project aimed at reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) should provide data on infection rates before and after the intervention.

3.2 Providing Recommendations

Based on the outcomes of your capstone project, provide recommendations for clinical practice, policy changes, or further research. Recommendations should be:

• Evidence-based: Supported by data and research findings from the project or literature.
• Practical and feasible: Offer realistic suggestions that can be implemented in clinical practice.
• Sustainable: Recommend actions that can be maintained over time, ensuring lasting improvements.

For example, a recommendation could be to adopt a new patient discharge protocol based on findings showing its effectiveness in reducing readmissions. Another recommendation might involve staff training on a new technology that improved workflow efficiency.

3.3 Implications for Future Practice

Discuss how your project can shape future practice. This may involve expanding the intervention to other units or hospitals, influencing hospital policy, or creating new educational programs based on the lessons learned. For example, a project focusing on improving pain management might recommend ongoing education for staff on current best practices.

3.4 Suggesting Areas for Further Research

Conclude the documentation by identifying areas for further research. While your project may address one aspect of a problem, there could be other gaps that require investigation. Suggest possible research questions or future studies to build on your work, such as examining the long-term impact of your intervention or testing it in different settings.