Create a discussion: In the DNP program, you will be expected to implement a practice change in your practicum based on the evidence-based recommendations from the literature. To do so, you will need to spend several hours reviewing scholarly articles.
Discuss a few topics you have an interest in researching in your next upcoming courses.
Sample Answer
Here are a few topics I’m interested in researching for my DNP practicum, focusing on areas with high potential for positive impact:
1. Reducing Hospital Readmissions for Heart Failure Patients:
- Research Focus: Investigate the impact of a nurse-led transitional care program on reducing 30-day readmission rates for heart failure patients.
- Potential Practice Change: Develop and implement a standardized discharge planning protocol including home visits, medication reconciliation, and patient education on self-care.
- Expected Outcomes: Decreased readmission rates, improved patient satisfaction, and enhanced quality of life for heart failure patients.
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Improving Medication Adherence in Patients with Chronic Conditions:
- Research Focus: Explore the effectiveness of technology-based interventions, such as medication adherence apps or telemonitoring devices, in improving medication adherence for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
- Potential Practice Change: Implement a pilot program utilizing a specific technology-based intervention within a targeted patient population.
- Expected Outcomes: Improved medication adherence, better glycemic control (for diabetes), reduced blood pressure, and decreased risk of complications.
3. Enhancing Pain Management in Older Adults with Dementia:
- Research Focus: Investigate non-pharmacological pain management strategies, such as music therapy, aromatherapy, and massage therapy, in older adults with dementia.
- Potential Practice Change: Develop and implement a non-pharmacological pain management protocol for older adults with dementia residing in a long-term care facility.
- Expected Outcomes: Improved pain control, reduced use of opioids, and enhanced quality of life for residents with dementia.
4. Promoting Breastfeeding in Low-Income Mothers:
- Research Focus: Explore the impact of a nurse-led breastfeeding support program on breastfeeding initiation and duration among low-income mothers.
- Potential Practice Change: Develop and implement a community-based breastfeeding support program, including home visits, peer support groups, and access to lactation consultants.
- Expected Outcomes: Increased rates of breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, improved infant health outcomes, and reduced health disparities.
Key Considerations for Research:
- Finding a clear and measurable research question.
- Identifying reliable and relevant evidence-based literature.
- Developing a robust methodology for data collection and analysis.
- Ensuring the ethical conduct of the research and the protection of human subjects.
- Disseminating findings to relevant stakeholders and advocating for implementation of best practices.
These are just a few examples of potential research topics that I find particularly interesting and relevant to my future career as a DNP. I will continue to explore these areas and refine my research focus as I progress through my DNP program.
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