Some potential capstone project ideas focused on improving quality of life for hospice patients could include developing new programs, activities, or technologies aimed at providing comfort, enjoyment and fulfillment during end-of-life care. Here are some specific examples:

Developing and piloting a virtual/augmented reality program for hospice patients. Using VR/AR headsets and specially designed experiences/apps, patients could virtually visit meaningful places, do activities they enjoyed in the past or view scenic nature scenes/meditations to provide mental escape and relaxation. The project would develop several VR experience options tailored for end-of-life patients, test them with a small group of patients/caregivers to assess impact on mood, pain and quality of life, then make recommendations on further rollout and development of the program.

Creating and evaluating a music therapy/songwriting program for hospice patients and their families. Led by a music therapist, small group sessions would allow patients to work together to write original songs expressing feelings/memories from their life and journey. Family members could be involved to contribute their perspectives too. The project would assess impacts on patient mood, connection with loved ones, sense of legacy/purpose. It would also provide recommendations on expanding the program long-term and training other staff to continue facilitating music therapy.

Designing and piloting a volunteer-led reminiscence/life review program for hospice patients. Trained volunteers would visit patients one-on-one to go through photographs, mementos and have thoughtful conversations about the patient’s life—favorite memories, accomplishments, lessons learned. The goal would be facilitating reflection and finding closure/peace. Impact of the program on quality of life indicators like depression, anxiety and sense of dignity would be evaluated. Based on outcomes, recommendations could include formalizing training protocols and expanding the volunteer base long-term.

Developing and testing a smartphone/tablet lending program for hospice patients to facilitate virtual connection. Smart devices loaded with video chat/calling apps would be loaned to patients to use staying in touch with distant family or participating in the music/storytelling programs from their room. Data collection on device usage patterns along with patient/family surveys would evaluate impacts on mood, loneliness and sense of social support from virtual visits. Recommendations could include seeking funding to establish an ongoing lending library of devices and connectivity packages for patients in need.

Creating and piloting a nature/wildlife care program for hospice patients utilizing indoor plants and a closed-circuit outdoor wildlife camera. Volunteers would care for different plants in patient rooms tailored to individual interests like flowering, herbs or succulents. A live-streaming outdoor cam focused on local wildlife like birds or small mammals could also be set up. Evaluating impacts on stress reduction, sense of beauty/peace and engagement through surveys/physiological measures could help determine value of expanding the program on a larger scale.

Developing and testing a memory box/legacy project program for end-of-life patients. Working with an art therapist, patients and families could collaboratively select meaningful photos, letters, mementos to compile in decorated boxes as a way to preserve personal history and relationships. Short videos or audio recordings capturing patients sharing stories could also be included. Follow up surveys with family would gauge impacts on sense of completion, quality time spent together and bereavement support received from the box after patient passing.

These are just a few examples of potential capstone project ideas focused on developing novel programs and technologies to enhance care, connection, fulfillment and quality of life for hospice patients near the end of life. All would require thorough feasibility assessment, ethical review processes, data collection and evaluation of impacts to produce actionable results and recommendations for the hospice organization. The overarching goal is to creatively support patients’ physical, emotional and social well-being during their final important moments.