Capstone Project Highlights
Capstone Project Highlights
The following Capstone Projects provide information learners have extensively researched at the end of their academic programs at Nightingale College. Through this research, learners have provided a comprehensive and detailed analysis of competencies that demonstrate their readiness for a future in healthcare.
Beyond Patient Education: Integrating a Functional Medicine Approach in Primary Care to Optimize Health and Reduce Prevalence of Disease
By Sadie Carlsen FNP-S
With chronic disease and preventable death continuing to plague the U.S. healthcare system, it continually remains one of the country's highest healthcare expenditure costs. This capstone project demonstrates to readers that integrating a functional medicine approach to primary care may offer a different clinical perspective to improve health outcomes and costs. Functional medicine is a systems biology-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. According to the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) global health score, predictive biomarkers and physiological parameter enrollees have exhibited improved clinical outcomes after one year. This research demonstrates that pursuing more in-depth methods of primary care management between patient-provider relations and functional medicine will improve health literacy, reduce the prevalence of disease, and produce more favorable health outcomes.
Prevalence and Treatment of Depression in the Elderly
By Kaia Jackman
In the United States, about 18.4% of adults aged 65 and older experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2020. Analysis of this clinical question also revealed that 20% of older adults experience depression throughout other points of their lives. This spike in depression is linked to both social and biological factors. The research in this study indicates that the implementation of PHQ-9 screenings for elderly patients would significantly refine diagnosis rates and lead to effective treatment intervention correlating with an improved quality of life. Enhancing the use of these screenings will significantly bridge the gap in both the mental and primary care of elderly patients, thus improving health outcomes.
Addressing Medication Non-Adherence with ReX Medication Dispensing Device
By Charlene Magdalik
For elderly individuals with chronic diseases, medication adherence rates have proven to be 80% higher within six months of the implementation of a medication adherence system. The application of electronic health records and other health technologies will remarkably help healthcare providers address non-adherence gaps. Through the information provided in this capstone project, it is evident that if facilities use an array of systems to manage the distribution of medication to patients it will increase their health outcomes. Making prescription drugs more accessible through a drug management system will provide the necessary benefits needed to improve patient safety and overall well-being.
Can Cultural Competence Increase Patient Satisfaction?
By Sarah Magpayo
Due to increased globalization, the healthcare industry is currently seeing an extremely diverse population. Through this event, there is a vast need for cultural competence among healthcare providers. By broadening technological interventions and implementing processes that include proficiency training and resources like language translation apps, we will be able to improve patient outcomes. With the evidence and extensive methodology in this capstone project, it is believed that implementing intervention will increase cultural competence and expand healthcare equality.
United in Follow-up
By Ashlee Hatch
As the leading cause of health-related problems globally, depression has been a leading factor in suicide rates of 700,000 people per year. Despite the increased use of antidepressant treatment strategies, it is still a challenge for clinicians in primary care settings to lower the rates of remission. Ultimately, executing patient screenings with PHQ-9, a multipurpose health questionnaire, will improve patient satisfaction and positive outcomes. Through the research provided in this project, it is blatant that the correlation of stakeholders in depression patient follow-ups will influence people in these cases to take part in adequate care plans, thus improving experiences and overall needs.
Preventing Type II Diabetes in the Family Practice Setting
By Michelle Pattison
Type II diabetes mellitus (DMII) is a growing health concern globally and in the United States. Primary care providers often play a key role in identifying chronic diseases early, and by focusing on DMII prevention, healthcare professionals, patients, and health insurance companies can work together to identify individuals with prediabetes and prevent progression to DMII. An effective tool in this effort is the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), which helps individuals understand how factors such as diet, exercise, stress, and medication impact blood sugar levels. This real-time feedback can improve awareness and support healthier lifestyle choices, potentially preventing diabetes. Based on the evidence and recommendations presented in this capstone project, CGMs have the potential to empower patients by increasing their knowledge and motivating them to have sustainable lifestyle modifications through a clearer understanding of their habits.
Bridging the Gap: The Power of Effective Communication in Enhancing Medication Adherence and Patient Satisfaction
By Tricia Watts
Current evidence shows that patient non-adherence to medication regimens has a significant impact on health outcomes and contributes to increased hospital admissions and healthcare costs. Poor provider-patient communication is a major contributing factor, highlighting the need to improve communication strategies. Numerous studies indicate that enhancing communication strategies will improve satisfaction and adherence to prescribed medication regimens. Healthcare providers widely support communication techniques such as the teach-back method, motivational interviewing, and digital communication tools to strengthen patient understanding and engagement. The research presented makes it clear that investing in effective communication practices is essential for achieving superior outcomes and elevating the standard of care in healthcare practice.