Nursing informatics is a growing field that applies information and technology to support nursing practice, research and improve patient care. Capstone projects are a core requirement for many nursing informatics graduate programs, allowing students to demonstrate their mastery of concepts through the application of skills and knowledge to solve real-world healthcare problems. These projects make valuable contributions by developing tools and solutions that directly support the delivery of care.
One of the key ways capstone projects advance healthcare is by addressing gaps and inefficiencies identified in current clinical practice through the creation of new technologies and applications. For example, a recent project developed a mobile application to streamline admission, transfer and discharge processes between emergency departments and inpatient units. By automating paperwork and communication, it helped reduce delays and errors. Another project designed a clinical decision support tool integrated into the electronic health record to assist nurses in assessing risk factors and managing care for patients with heart failure. Projects like these save healthcare providers time so they can spend more of it on direct patient care activities.
Capstone work also enhances healthcare delivery by improving access to and coordination of care. One nursing informatics student created a telehealth platform allowing remote patient monitoring and video conferencing with providers. This benefited patients in rural areas with limited transportation options or specialty care locally available. Another project implemented an information system across diverse care settings – from hospitals to home health – facilitating the secure sharing of patient data between providers. Seamless data exchange supports continuity as patients transition between levels of care.
Many projects focus on leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics to augment clinical decision making. For example, one analyzed large datasets to develop models that can predict risk of hospital readmissions, pressure injuries or medication errors based on a variety of patient factors. Having these predictive tools available at the point of care empowers nurses to implement preventative interventions earlier. Other work applies similar techniques to radiology images, using automation to flag anomalies faster and improve diagnostic accuracy. As data volumes in healthcare continue climbing, these types of informatics solutions will grow increasingly valuable.
Privacy and security of protected health information are also top priorities addressed through capstone work. A variety of projects have centered around strengthening existing safeguards, implementing new access controls and authentication methods, or educating clinicians and patients on best practices. One developed an electronic system and mobile app for obtaining informed consent during research studies in full HIPAA compliance. Others conducted security risk assessments or created policies and guidelines around topics such as email encryption standards when exchanging files containing sensitive patient data. As threats to cybersecurity increase, these contributions play an important role in maintaining public trust in healthcare technologies.
Nursing informatics students additionally help advance care delivery through projects focused on user experience, usability and adoption of systems. Several analyzed clinician interactions with electronic health records, identifying inefficient workflows or areas for improvement. Recommendations from one such capstone helped optimize screen navigation and streamline documentation directly at the point of care. Another implemented a comprehensive training and support program to address barriers hindering full utilization of a new EHR system rollout. Proper end user training and ongoing support are essential for successful integration of technologies into clinical workflows.
Capstone projects can contribute through knowledge creation and dissemination. Some involve conducting systematic literature reviews on emerging topics, compiling best practices and developing evidence-based guidelines. These synthesis works help translate research findings into applicable recommendations that can guide the field. Other students pursue original nursing informatics research for their projects – such as evaluating new apps, prototypes or technologies through studies. Findings are then presented at conferences and published in scholarly journals, expanding the body of evidence and lessons learned to continually advance practice.
Nursing informatics capstone projects make invaluable contributions to healthcare delivery across diverse areas including clinical workflows, access to and coordination of care, predictive analytics and decision support, privacy/security, user experience, knowledge generation and more. Through creative applications of informatics principles and technologies, students directly address real problems impacting patients and providers. Their work helps optimize delivery systems, empower data-driven decisions at the point of care and integrate information management seamlessly into clinical practice – all advancing the overall outcomes, safety, efficiency and patient-centeredness of healthcare.