DNP MANUSCRIPT

 

**Note: Students will begin Chapter 1 of the manuscript, focusing on creating the introduction and the identification/background of the project for the Doctor of Nursing Practice project. A template for the manuscript can is located in the DNP Lounge.

MY DNP PROJECT TOPIC

This is my Topic

“ This quality improvement project is to implement the use of an evidence-based self-care tool, Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA), to improve diabetes self-care behaviors among adults with type 2 diabetes.”

1

BEGIN TITLE THREE INCHES FROM TOP OF PAPER

by

First Name MI. Last Name

Title of DNP Project

Presented in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Aspen University

Month, Year

© First and Last Name, Year

(Note: If copyright not desired, delete this page)

BEGIN TITLE THREE INCHES FROM TOP OF PAPER

by

First Name MI. Last Name

has been approved

Month, Year

APPROVED:

FACULTY CHAIR NAME DNP/PhD, Faculty Chair __________________________________

FACULTY REVIEWER NAME, EdD/PhD, DNP Project Team Member __________________

INDEPENDENT REVIEWER NAME, DNP/PhD, DNP Project Team Member _____________

ACCEPTED AND SIGNED:

____________________________________ NAME OF FACULTY CHAIR

____________________________________ Dean or Associate Dean, [Name]

Acknowledgments

This acknowledgment section is not a part of the proposal. Acknowledgments should include all parties who have contributed to the successful delivery of the DNP, such as DNP Project Team members, supporters, academic advisors, editors, and invited participants. Supporters may include family members, friends, peers, co-workers, sponsors, or anyone who played a supportive role in the DNP process. Obtain permission and acknowledge individuals and organizational entities in the correct manner. This section should not be more than one page.

Dedication

This section is optional. The dedication is not a part of the proposal. A dedication is a proclamation, a mark of appreciation, affection, or special regard for an individual, organizational, or social entity. Dedications in the historical context have been known to be quite elaborate. More recent dedications are brief, often naming the author’s significant other, and often consisting of no more than a line or two dedicating the work to them. This section provides an opportunity to convey a personal commemoration of the work. This section might contain a quote from some other literary work or an epigram of the author’s own invention, such as a poem, slogan, witty statement, or insightful belief. This is an opportunity to pass along a discovery made in the DNP journey to the benefit of those who will tread a similar path. If included, this section should be no more than one page.

Abstract

Abstracts are the only text in the entire manuscript that is not indented. The target length of an abstract is no more than 250 words. The abstract is not a part of the proposal. The abstract provides a brief overview of the project, discussing 1) what the project was about, 2) how it was studied, and 3) what the significant findings were.

Keywords are words that describe the most important aspects of your paper and help readers find your work during a search. Include 3-5 keywords describing the content. To format the Keywords section, write the label “ Keywords” (italicized) one line below the abstract, indented 0.5 inches like a regular paragraph, followed by the keywords in lowercase (capitalize proper nouns), separated by commas. The keywords should be alphabetized. Do not use a period after the last keyword. Example:

Keywords: hypertension, mobile clinic, occupational health, patient education

Table of Contents

Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chapter One: Problem Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Chapter Two: Literature and Evidence Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Chapter Three: Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 13

Chapter Four: Outcomes and Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Chapter Five: Dissemination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 17

Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Follow this link for assistance with setting up TOC. This should be a live table of contents with clickable links. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUQrUrWeRs0

Provide the Title of Your Project Here

Chapter One: Problem Identification

DNP Projects with Aspen are EBP or QI projects. Visit the DNP Lounge for appropriate projects and considerations. This template provides the structure for implementing an evidence-based quality improvement project within a healthcare organization. The manuscript length should be a maximum of 20-30 pages, not including the appendices and references . Chapter One is an overview of your topic of interest that provides the justification for your project by presenting the identified problem in the context of the literature.

In the beginning of this chapter, you should capture the attention of the reader by creating a sense of urgency about the problem to be investigated. Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of the Proposal are written in the future tense for your proposal defense . In addition, manuscripts should be written in a scholarly tone. Do not include a Level-1 heading for the introduction to this section, as the section title denotes this section as the introduction. End your introductory paragraph(s) with a sentence that states what your project will accomplish so the reader knows what to expect.

Statement of the Problem

The problem statement succinctly and clearly presents the nursing practice problem under investigation. While the problem statement itself should be concise, this section must contain sufficient information to persuade the reader that the project is feasible, appropriate, and worthwhile. Your problem statement should include the following items: 1) a description of the nature and context of the problem, 2) the specific health or clinical issue that is impacted; and 3) potential quality and safety issues involved. You should also describe the agencies involved in reporting data (CMS, NDNQI, AHRQ, other national benchmarks, for example). Provide a summary of the literature and history of the current issue. Explain the relevancy of this problem to healthcare.

Assessment of the Practice Gap and Site

The section speaks to the organization in which you will implement your project. This is the problem at your project site, which should be data driven. Within this section, you should briefly include the following: 1) organizational quality data to reflect the gap, 2) current policies or practices in place, 3) the financial aspect of the current state, 4) existing processes for practice change and approvals needed within the organization.

The above items justify the need for your project, so end your problem statement with information on how your proposed project will contribute to the solution of this problem or issue. This will provide a lead-in to your purpose statement. The statement of the problem is about one page in length.

Purpose of the Project

Provide ONE sentence that is succinct and easily identifies the EBP or QI project. Start with: The purpose of this DNP project is to implement an evidence-based intervention [list the intervention here with citation] to impact the rate of postoperative infections among surgical patients in a rural community hospital. Briefly discuss the problem and provide a description of the project focus and relevancy. In one or two sentences, describe the organization and who it serves. Note: do not list site identifiers. The goal is to describe who will be most affected by the proposed intervention.

Project Outcome

Using an established method such as SMART goals, state the intended outcome for your project.

PICOT Question

Attached is a link with information for formulating the PICOT Question - http://libraryguides.missouri.edu/c.php?g=28271&p=174073. Students should insert the approved PICOT received from their Project Chair.

Theoretical Framework

All projects need to be based on a theoretical framework. This section is usually one to two pages in length. A diagram or schematic of the framework is required and should be included as a figure within this section.

Methodological Framework

In this section, you will offer a brief overview of the methodology to be used to “frame” or outline your DNP project. Include a discussion of the appropriateness of the methodology related to the design of the DNP project. Include a discussion of the strengths/weaknesses of methodology in previous studies and which you are building on/hoping to avoid/improve upon in your DNP project.

Proposed DNP Essentials

In this section, discuss each of the DNP Essentials you anticipate will be met through the implementation of this project. You must provide a response of two to three main points per Essential. Note, you may not meet all of the essentials.

Summary

The summary should briefly discuss the key points covered and prepare the reader for the next chapter.

Chapter Two: Literature and Evidence Review

The review of relevant literature provides an analytical overview of the significant literature published on your topic of interest by comparing/contrasting the methods and major findings and by describing the relationship of each major study to others on the same topic. The literature review interprets your problem or issue within the context of existing literature by identifying the most relevant and current literature that significantly contributes to understanding your topic. The introduction offers a historical background.

The major purpose of this chapter is to discuss relative research activities that address what is known about the project topic as well as the evidence-based framework of the project. This section should support your evidence-based intervention. i.e. What has been done to solve this or a similar problem? This background information puts things in perspective. What are the major issues, controversies, etc., that impact your project? Include background on all relevant aspects. Include your search strategy here.

Search Strategy

This section should mention all databases searched during the literature review. You should mention the combination of terms and the inclusion and exclusion criteria used to limit or expand your search results. Your strategic process description should provide sufficient information so the reader can replicate your search. You must identify at least 15 high-quality levels I-III studies within the past five years) to support your intervention.

Review of the Evidence and Literature

Each study in the literature review should relate directly to the topic and the evidence-based intervention. Present an overview of the similarities and dissimilarities between studies. Identify key themes. The literature review should reflect a thorough search and consideration of available literature found within reputable scholarly search engines (CINAHL, PubMed, Cochran database, etc.). The results should support the basis for the proposed project. The review of literature is generally six to eight pages in length. Students must include their table of evidence as an appendix.

Summary of Recommendations

Based on the literature review and critical appraisal, provide a summary of the practice change recommendations. Briefly discuss recommendations based on external and internal evidence. Provide the levels of evidence for your sources (see and cite levels of evidence found here https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NAJ.0000390523.99066.b5). Identify any potential barriers to these change recommendations. Include thorough citations for any recommendations (i.e., if multiple sources support a recommendation, ensure you cite every source).

Summary

The summary should briefly discuss the key points covered and prepare the reader for the next chapter.

Chapter Three: Implementation

Open this section by reminding the reader of the purpose of the DNP Project. The rationale for your project should logically evolve from the problem under investigation, the evidence review, and the project's purpose. This section should provide sufficient details to solve the problem and support implementing new practice recommendations. This chapter will describe the chosen methodological framework and explain how it will be utilized as a framework for your project implementation. Specific project phases and steps will be discussed and presented within a timeline. This chapter will also offer a detailed discussion of other implementation-related aspects such as organizational readiness for change, resource availability, budgetary considerations, and any applicable data collection.

Key Stakeholders

Mention the agencies, departments, committees, units, and individuals required/involved to complete the project. Describe strategies to promote buy-in and sustainability of the proposed practice change.

Processes and Procedures to Be Implemented

Describe, in detail, the project processes and procedures to be implemented. Align your EBP/QI/change project with your selected theory and framework. When writing this section, be detailed and use subheadings as needed. Anyone should be able to pick up your manuscript and reproduce your project.

Evaluation Plan

Summarize the plan to evaluate the outcomes of the practice change.

Financial Implications

Identify the potential return on investment (ROI) and/or the value on investment (VOI).

Potential Barriers

Define any potential barriers and your plan to mitigate barriers.

Timeline, Resources, and Approval

Offer a specific timeline of implementation phases and activities. Implementation cannot exceed eight weeks. Identify any resources that may be needed to complete the project. Identify required approvals that may be needed, internally or externally (community, agency, IRB, etc.). Include the site permission letter as an appendix. Refer to the IRB Handbook for permission letter requirements and a Site Permission Letter Template.

Summary

The summary reminds the reader of the major points covered in the implementation section and prepares the reader for the next chapter.

Chapter Four: Outcomes and Findings

Chapter four provides the reader with the results of your project. To remind the reader why this project was important, begin the section by restating the problem that prompted your project. Also restate the purpose of the project. The outcomes section should reflect any changes that occurred from the original implementation plan. Also, explain any additions or changes to key stakeholders that were not part of the original implementation plan.

Evaluation of Project Outcome

This section should be used to report the data-related outcomes of the project. What changes did you note in your measurable outcome before and after implementation of the project? If there was no pre-implementation outcome data, simply present the post-implementation data.

Discussion of Findings

This section provides an interpretation of the major findings within the context of the overall purpose of the project. Discuss how your major findings provide new insight or support previous findings that you found in the literature. Provide some context and explain the value of your findings in terms of ROI or VOI, any relevant benchmarks, implications for patients, and any additional implications for stakeholders.

Plan for Sustainability

Provide a plan for sustaining the improvement involved in your project. This plan should include stakeholders and suggested future auditing.

Summary

This summary section provides a summary of the important points of this chapter and prepares readers for what will be covered in the next chapter.

Chapter Five: Dissemination

The fifth chapter concludes the project manuscript with a discussion and recommendations for further work. The introduction for Chapter Five reminds readers of the project purpose and the impact on nursing practice, and it describes the problem and the main issues or topic under investigation. The chapter overviews why the project was important and how it can contribute to understanding of the topic. Outcomes are discussed to inform future improvements.

Executive Summary

Create an executive summary and include it as an appendix. In this section, let readers know what is covered within the executive summary and refer to the appendix.

Plan for Dissemination to the Project Site

Describe your plan for dissemination of the executive summary to the immersion site (i.e., executive report, poster, submission to a journal, etc.).

Plan for Future Dissemination

Describe a plan for future dissemination.

Doctoral Essentials Met

Discuss the actual DNP Essentials met after project implementation and compare with the proposed DNP Essentials that were anticipated to be met.

Conclusion

Provides concluding remarks of the entire DNP project and the future.

References

Double-space all reference list entries. Use a hanging indent for all references. Author should alphabetize reference list entries. Expect to have a minimum of 35 references for this manuscript.

Tables [NOTE TABLES AND FIGURES GO WITHIN THE BODY OF MANUSCRIPT]

If included, see Chapter 7 of the APA manual for formatting guidance. Your Table of Evidence belongs here.

Figures [NOTE TABLES AND FIGURES GO WITHIN THE BODY OF MANUSCRIPT]

Refer to Chapter 7 of the APA manual for formatting guidance. You should include a diagram of your theoretical framework showing how your project aligns with the theory.

Appendices

Materials that are pertinent to the project but that would be distracting or inappropriate in the body of the paper are presented as an appendix. Appendices are created for materials such as permission letters, copies of instruments, instructions to participants, or materials created as a part of an intervention (PowerPoint presentations, brochures, handouts, etc.). If there is more than one appendix, each should be listed on a separate page and be labeled as Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, etc., according to the order mentioned in the text. Use section breaks and label appendices in the order they are mentioned in the manuscript.

This is my Topic

“The purpose of this quality improvement project is to implement an evidence-based, community-based diabetes self-management and food-access support program to improve diabetes self-care behaviors and reduce food insecurity among adults with type 2 diabetes, measured using the USDA 2-Item Food Insecurity Screening Tool and Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA)”