Identify quality improvement practice problem to be discussed in the Capstone Paper.

Introduction (Completed in Week 1) (Approximately 1-2 paragraphs)
State the practice problem in measurable terms and that reflect quality indicators. This is the same problem described in the week 1 practicum discussion.  Keep in mind that this section may need to be revised after you complete all of the other sections. Provide the rationale for selecting the practice problem

Week 1: Introduction (1–2 paragraphs)

Identify quality improvement practice problem to be discussed in the Capstone Paper. State the practice problem in measurable terms. This is the same problem described in the week 1 practicum discussion. Explain the importance of the problem to health care quality and patient safety.

Capstone Paper (7–10 pages)
In each week of this course you will apply the steps of the quality improvement process to a real practice problem. This Capstone Paper will provide the comprehensive discussion for your Practicum Project. (Note: The practice problem must be related to patient outcomes. Staffing cannot be your main practice problem for the completion of the Practicum Project and Capstone Paper).

The paper will be submitted in steps so the faculty can approve each section. Each section should be added to the previous section so that by Week 6 the faculty has read and made recommendations for the final paper. You are expected to incorporate the feedback you receive each week before submitting the next week’s assignment, including employing the revision process and taking responsibility for proofreading for writing errors. In addition, you are expected to use high-quality, credible, relevant sources to develop ideas that are appropriate for the discipline and genre of the writing. You must use at least five peer-reviewed, evidence-based references—websites and textbooks may be used on a limited basis but do not count in the five references. (All work must be supported by the literature and cited correctly in text and in the reference list.)

Each section of the Capstone Paper must meet the Academic Writing Expectations for the Capstone Level (see the AWE Checklist and the AWE at a Glance document):

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of context, audience, and purpose.
Use appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to illustrate mastery of the subject, conveying the writer’s understanding and shaping the whole work.
Employ the revision process and take responsibility for proofreading for writing errors before submission.
The capstone must demonstrate detailed attention to, and successful execution of, a wide range of conventions particular to a specific discipline and/or writing task, (s) including:
Show organization, content, presentation, formatting, and stylistic choices.
Demonstrate skillful use of high quality, credible, relevant sources to develop ideas that are appropriate for the discipline and genre of the writing.
Use appropriate and persuasive language that communicates meaning to readers with clarity and fluency, and is virtually error-free.
Capstone Paper Submission Timeline

Week 1: Introduction (1–2 paragraphs)
Identify quality improvement practice problem to be discussed in the Capstone Paper. State the practice problem in measurable terms. This is the same problem described in the week 1 practicum discussion. Explain the importance of the problem to health care quality and patient safety.

Week 2: Literature Review (5–6 paragraphs)
Summarize the purpose, methods, and findings that focus on solutions to your practice problem from at least 5 peer-reviewed, evidence-based practice articles. Include an explanation of the quality management measurement and data that were presented.

Week 3: Quality Improvement Process (2–3 paragraphs)
Describe the quality improvement process that was posted in the practicum discussion. This process will be used to support the proposed quality improvement plan. Explain why the specific process was selected, and document your explanation with references.

Week 4: Quality Improvement Plan (6–10 paragraphs)
Using the Quality Improvement Process described in Week 3, provide a detailed explanation of the quality improvement plan that you will use to address the practice problem. Be sure to use the scholarly references identified during the literature review to support the plan.

Week 5: Resources (2–3 paragraphs) and Summary (1–2 paragraphs)
Describe the resources that will be needed to support the change in practice, and explain why they are necessary. Summarize the key points discussed in the paper.

Week 6: Final Paper (7–10 pages)
Incorporate feedback from faculty and proofread for errors and clarity. Submit the final paper to the grade center for grading.