Tag Archives: projects

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF DNP CAPSTONE PROJECTS THAT HAVE HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON HEALTHCARE OUTCOMES?

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The DNP capstone project provides Doctor of Nursing Practice students the opportunity to design and implement an evidence-based project aimed at improving healthcare outcomes. These projects allow DNP graduates to fulfill their role as clinical scholars and change agents in the healthcare system. Some examples of impactful DNP capstone projects include:

One project implemented an evidence-based practice guideline for managing hypertension in primary care. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease but rates of control have been suboptimal. The student created an intervention that included staff education, appointment reminders, home blood pressure monitoring, and pharmacist medication management for patients not at goal. After implementation, blood pressure control rates increased from 45% to 75% which is significant for reducing heart attacks, strokes, and deaths. Improving rates of hypertension control through practice changes achieved in a DNP project can have lasting benefits to patient and population health.

Another project focused on reducing 30-day hospital readmissions among patients with heart failure. Heart failure readmissions are costly to the healthcare system and disruptive for patients. The DNP student implemented a transitional care model including post-discharge home visits by advanced practice nurses, daily weight and symptom monitoring, and follow up with cardiac providers and pharmacists. Readmission rates dropped from 28% pre-intervention to only 12% post-intervention. Fewer readmissions directly translates to improved outcomes, better quality of life, and substantial cost savings that validate the project’s clinical significance and impact.

A third example involved implementing an evidence-based depression screening and treatment guideline in primary care. Untreated depression is associated with poor quality of life, worse medical outcomes, higher healthcare costs, and even increased mortality. The student provided staff training, instituted routine screening of all patients using the PHQ-9 tool, and developed a protocol for prompt treatment and longitudinal management of depression if identified. After one year, the percentage of patients achieving remission of their depressive symptoms increased from 34% to nearly 70%. Reducing the physical and mental health burden of depression through early identification and treatment demonstrates how DNP projects can powerfully affect patient wellbeing.

Another notable project focused on reducing 30-day hospital readmissions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through an intensive home-based self-management program. Features included individualized education on medications, action plans for exacerbations, respiratory therapy, smoking cessation counseling and pulmonary rehabilitation referrals as needed. Readmission rates decreased from 25% pre-intervention to only 10% after program implementation. Such sustainable improvements in lung health greatly enhance quality of life and activities of daily living among vulnerable COPD patients through greater independence and less dependence on urgent healthcare services.

A final outstanding example involved developing and piloting a cervical cancer screening decision support tool and individualized patient education materials to boost participation in underserved populations. Cervical cancer disproportionately impacts low-income, uninsured, and minority women due to lower screening rates despite the availability of highly effective primary prevention through Pap tests. After implementing validated educational interventions aimed at addressing cultural beliefs and barriers, screening rates jumped from 54% to over 90% in the target population. Reducing cancer disparities and improving access to lifesaving preventive services strongly aligns with nursing’s goals of promoting health equity and has profoundly meaningful consequences.

DNP capstone projects offer tangible opportunities to design and test care delivery innovations with proven capacity to significantly better population health outcomes. The highlighted examples demonstrate how evidence-based practice changes implemented even on a local scale have successfully decreased rates of uncontrolled chronic diseases, reduced preventable hospital readmissions, increased screening and treatment of mental illness, and boosted access to important cancer prevention strategies among underserved groups. Such impact-driven projects exemplify the DNP graduate’s clinical scholarship role in driving healthcare transformation and quality improvement through practice.

CAN YOU PROVIDE SOME EXAMPLES OF PAST CAPSTONE PROJECTS COMPLETED BY SAIT CST STUDENTS

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Inventory Management System for Mid-Sized Retailer: A group of students developed a web-based inventory management system for a mid-sized retail store that sells clothing, accessories, and household items. The system allowed employees to track inventory levels in the warehouse and stores, place orders with suppliers, manage deliveries, and generate reports on best-selling products. It was built using PHP and MySQL and integrated with the retailer’s existing point-of-sale systems. This helped the retailer gain better visibility into inventory across locations and streamline the reorder process.

Customer Relationship Management Software for HVAC Company: Another team of CST students worked with a local HVAC installation and servicing company to build a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. The application allowed technicians to log service requests from customers, schedule appointments, track jobs, generate invoices and work orders. It helped office staff track communications with customers, manage billing and payments. The system provided insights into technicians’ performance, frequently serviced equipment types etc. which helped the company recognize opportunities and plan resource needs better. The students developed this system using Python, Django and PostgreSQL.

Online Booking System for a Salon Chain: For this project, students partnered with a salon chain that had five locations in Calgary. They developed a web-based booking system that let customers browse services offered, view stylist profiles and availability, and book appointments online. Stylists could log in to manage their schedules from any device. The administration module gave owners real-time visibility into bookings, revenue, top-selling services etc. The students built a robust, feature-rich system using PHP, JavaScript and MySQL which helped the salons reduce no-shows and improve customer experience.

Agricultural Equipment Monitoring Application: A group worked with a farm equipment manufacturer to create an IoT solution for monitoring inventory, usage and performance of farm vehicles and implements. Sensors were installed on equipment to track location, engine run-time, fuel levels etc. Real-time data was collected via edge gateways and synced to a central dashboard. Mechanics could now proactively service high-usage equipment before breakdowns. Owners got alerts for unauthorized usage, geo-fencing etc. The system utilized LoRaWAN, AWS IoT and other technologies to wirelessly connect diverse equipment across large areas.

Mobile App for Urban Horticulture Business: For their capstone, students developed a native iOS and Android app for an urban gardening company that designs and maintains green walls, rooftop gardens and other vertical garden setups in buildings. Key features included showing portfolio of projects, booking consultations, making payments, AR/VR guided tours of installations for clients. Employees could log maintenance tasks, receive work orders, upload before/after photos using the app. Integration with APIs for payments, GIS maps etc. provided a seamless experience. The app helped the company scale operations and engage more clients through a compelling digital presence.

As you can see from these examples, SAIT CST capstone projects are real-world, industry-driven solutions that address tangible business challenges. Students gain hands-on experience employing appropriate technologies and development methodologies to deliver functioning, production-ready applications. By collaborating directly with sponsor organizations, they comprehend user needs better and deliver solutions with tangible post-graduation impact. The in-depth projects help transition students smoothly into professional roles after graduation.

These were just a few high-level descriptions to illustrate the type, scope and impacts of capstone projects undertaken by SAIT’s Computer Systems Technology program. In reality, each project involves extensive planning, research, prototyping and iterations over 6-8 months before a polished product is delivered. More details on specific technical implementations, development workflows, testing processes, documentation practices etc. are usually not publicly disclosed or documented due to privacy agreements with sponsor partners. I hope this lengthy overview provides a good sense of how capstone projects help SAIT CST students gain real-world skills and foster industry connections through practical, client-focused application development experiences. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions.

CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE EXAMPLES OF CAPSTONE PROJECTS THAT FOCUS ON ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS

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Community Mental Health Awareness Campaign

For my capstone project, I developed and implemented a multi-pronged advocacy and awareness campaign targeting my local community to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and increase support for people struggling with mental illness.

The first part of the campaign involved researching statistics on mental illness rates in my area as well as studying evidence-based best practices for anti-stigma campaigns. I then developed messaging and materials focused on themes of mental health being similar to physical health, stories of recovery being possible, and the importance of community support networks.

Materials created included infographics to share key facts, short videos of local residents discussing their lived experiences, sample social media posts, and draft letters to the editor for the newspaper. I partnered with various local mental health organizations to host community forums to educate residents and start an open dialogue.

I worked with school counselors to deliver classroom presentations onNormalizing mental health discussions and where to find help. posters with campaign messaging and resources were placed around town. Letters were sent to lawmakers, police, clergy, and business leaders urging them to actively support those in need.

An advocacy day at the state capitol was organized bringing residents to meet with legislators. Editorials, social media pushes, and press releases helped generate ongoing local media coverage of the issue. Participating organizations started using the shared materials and message framing going forward.

Months after the initial launch, surveys found increased willingness to support those with mental illness and growing awareness of available resources. Stakeholder interviews revealed the campaign helped reshape community conversations and attitudes. Though ongoing work remains, measurable progress was made in challenging stigma through this multi-pronged advocacy effort.

HOW DO NURSING STUDENTS CHOOSE THEIR CAPSTONE PROJECTS

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Nursing students have several options and factors to consider when choosing their capstone project for graduation. The capstone project is intended to be a culmination of the student’s nursing education where they can apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world health care issue or problem. It allows students to gain experience in areas of interest and to explore potential career paths.

Usually during their final semester or year of the nursing program, students will meet with their capstone project coordinator or faculty advisor to begin discussing ideas. Many programs provide examples of past successful capstone projects or have specialty areas they encourage exploration in such as community health, leadership, research, or education. Browsing these examples can spark interest in particular topics.

Students may also draw from clinical rotations they’ve had where they witnessed an issue firsthand that they want to further investigate. For example, if a student noticed a gap in patient education materials on a specialty unit, they may propose creating new materials as their project. Practicum experiences are a great place to get real world exposure to potential projects.

Personal interests are another driver for many students. If they have a passion for women’s health or pediatrics for example, they will likely gravitate towards a project involving that population. Career goals after graduation also factor in, as certain projects can help students gain experience and skills directly applicable to their desired nursing path. Projects related to their goal specialties strengthen resumes and applications for post-grad roles.

Faculty advisors provide guidance on balancing project ideas with feasibility and available resources. They ensure the scope is appropriate for a semester-long endeavor and that necessary approvals, materials, and partnerships can be reasonably obtained if needed. Advisors also screen ideas against established learning outcomes to confirm the project meets curriculum requirements for skills like leadership, research, or community engagement.

Institutional requirements also shape project decisions. Some nursing programs may designate preferred project types like original research studies involving data collection and analysis. Others promote evidence-based practice projects where students systematically review literature and develop policies or programs. Understanding the rubrics used to evaluate projects helps students design proposals with those grading criteria in mind.

A thorough literature review is an important part of the process to demonstrate the rationale and need for the chosen topic. Finding gaps in existing research or best practices validates that the proposed project would make an original contribution. Students may discuss ideas with librarians, connect with subject experts, or interview healthcare professionals informed their discussions with advisors.

Narrowing the focus also requires refinement. Some programs have minimum or maximum page counts set for final written reports that influence topics that can reasonably be covered at that length. Gaining necessary approvals from places like an ethics review board takes time which factors into timeline feasibility. Narrowing from broad interests to specific populations,locations, interventions or comparisons comes with advising support.

Budget requirements are another consideration. While many projects involve no direct costs, others may need funding for material development, event hosting, statistical software licensing, travel for data collection or dissemination activities. Students vet cost estimates early on and consider backup plans if full budgets cannot be obtained. Sustainability of any proposed solutions or programs initiated also factors into project design discussions with mentors.

Nursing capstone projects offer valuable opportunities for hands-on learning at the end of degree programs. By considering factors like personal interests, career goals, required competencies and skills demonstrated, and feasibility within timelines and available resources, students can thoughtfully select topics that are engaging as well as appropriate culminating experiences for their nursing education. Advisor guidance plays an important role in navigating options and designing strong project proposals to maximize the learning experience.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER DISCIPLINES THAT CAN BENEFIT FROM CAPSTONE PROJECTS

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Capstone projects are an excellent way for students in many different disciplines to synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their academic programs. While capstone projects are most commonly associated with fields like engineering, nursing, and computer science, many other areas of study could adopt this model to help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Some examples include:

Business: A business capstone could take the form of developing a marketing plan, business proposal, strategic plan, or new product/service launch for a real or imagined startup company. Students would conduct competitive analyses, financial projections, marketing research, and operational planning. Presenting their plan to industry professionals provides valuable feedback.

Social Work: For a social work capstone, students could partner with a local nonprofit or government agency to develop and implement a program or initiative addressing an important social issue like food insecurity, affordable housing, youth mentorship, elder care, etc. This hands-on experience applies research, needs assessment, grant writing, and project management skills.

Psychology: A psychology capstone could involve designing and carrying out an original research study, developing a therapy or counseling program, or creating public awareness materials around an important mental health issue. Students learn experimental design, ethical practice, qualitative/quantitative methods, and collaborating with professionals in the field.

Communications: Communications majors could develop a strategic communications campaign for a cause or organization. This requires researching target audiences, crafting key messaging/branding, producing multi-channel content like print/video/social media assets, and evaluating effectiveness. Partnering with real advocacy groups or nonprofits provides an authentic experience.

Public Policy: For public policy, students develop and propose a solution to a complex community or political issue like education reform, environmental protection, infrastructure development, criminal justice overhaul, etc. This involves empirical research, stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, budgeting/cost-benefit assessments, and presenting recommendations to policymakers.

Education: An education capstone could involve developing and teaching a new curriculum or after-school program, assessing school culture/climate, assisting with an accreditation/improvement process, or conducting research on effective teaching strategies. Partnering directly with K-12 schools exemplifies applied learning.

Fine Arts: Fine arts students often create a culminating body of work like a series of paintings, collection of written works, play/musical performance, or design portfolio for their capstone. But they could also partner with local arts nonprofits, hospitals, or senior homes to provide instruction, produce community murals/sculptures, or curate exhibits showcasing untapped local talents.

Healthcare Administration: For healthcare administration, capstones frequently involve a strategic planning project, quality improvement initiative, or new program design for a partner healthcare facility. This real-world collaboration applies skills in data analysis, change management, budgeting/reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and more.

Nutrition: A nutrition capstone could involve developing educational materials and delivering workshops/classes for at-risk groups, assisting food banks/soup kitchens, researching new healthy dining options for schools/workplaces, or proposing policy changes like increasing food stamp access or regulating junk food marketing. Partnering directly with community organizations provides experience with counseling, program design/assessment, and advocating for nutritional welfare.

As this lengthy response illustrates, capstone projects provide an excellent opportunity for students across many disciplines beyond just STEM fields to gain hands-on experience applying their knowledge and skills to solve authentic problems. By partnering with local nonprofits, schools, government agencies, healthcare facilities, arts organizations and more, capstones allow students to make meaningful contributions to their communities while bridging the academic-to-professional transition. Integrating applied, project-based learning through capstones benefits students, institutions, and the wider public and should be encouraged across diverse fields of study.