NURS 4685-Objectives-Content-Outline-Strategies
Overview: Capstone Project – Objectives/Content/Outline/Strategies/References
In this assignment, you will describe the subject, problems, or issues you want to address. You will answer the following questions:
- How do we know this is a problem or issue?
- Who needs the information about the problem or issue?
- What are possible solutions?
- How will dissemination of this researched information impact behavior?
- What changes to practice or workplace procedures may occur because of your Capstone project?
Objectives
- Develop and refine Capstone Project objectives, content, outline, and implementation/presentation on strategies
- Decide on Capstone project design
- Develop draft of Capstone project
Rubric
Use this rubric to guide your work on the Module 3 assignment.
NOTE: All assignments and discussion posts are expected to be completed on time.
| Tasks | Target | Acceptable | Unacceptable |
| Indications –(25 pts) | Clear statement of specific problem or issue and its unique importance (25 pts)
|
Statement of problem or issue, with indication of importance (10 pts)
|
No clear statement of important problem or issue
(0 points) |
| Audience -(25 pts)
|
Clear description of target audience, including description of setting for presentation and why this audience was targeted
(25 pts) |
Description of target audience
(10 pts) |
Insufficient description of audience
(0 points)
|
| Implications (25 pts)
|
Clear and strong analysis of how presentation of information will change the behaviors of target audience members and the resulting impact on the problem or issue
(25 pts) *Well-articulated and detailed synopsis |
Statement of how presentation will affect audience members
*Poorly articulated and synopsis lacking detail* (10 pts)
|
Weak or no statement of how information will change audience or issue
*Lacks articulated synopsis without detail* (0 points)
|
| Grid and APA format- (25 pts) | Clear description of type of information dissemination, including details about the types of visual aids and verbal presentation or demonstration strategies to be used to interact with audience members. Grid is completed as per example with no errors or omissions
(25 pts)
|
Grid is missing needed items. Statement of type of information dissemination, including at least one visual strategy and at least one verbal strategy. 1-3 APA errors.
(10 pts) |
Grid is not completed. 4 or more APA errors. Weak or no statement of how information will be presented.
(0 pts) |
Indications
Describe in the space below the topic, problem, or issue within the focus area that your Capstone Project will address. Explain why this issue is important and why you selected it in particular. Provide examples of situations related to the issue in your practice and other examples you might expect to see in your selected focus area:
The focus is on implementing an early ambulation protocol to reduce postoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis among adult surgical patients. Deep Vein Thrombosis is a serious postoperative complication that occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins, most often in the lower extremities. If untreated, DVT can lead to other life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism, increased length of hospital stay, and increased healthcare costs (Lui et al., 2025). Postoperative immobility is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors contributing to venous thromboembolism development, thus the need to implement standardized early mobilization protocols to reduce the incidence of DVT post-surgery and improve overall patient recovery outcomes. The issue of DVT as a postoperative complication is important since DVT is a preventable hospital-acquired condition that contributes to significant morbidity and mortality among surgical patients. DVT prevention is also a key quality and patient safety indicator.
I selected this topic following an observation in my clinical practice, recording a high incidence of DVT. In addition, I noted that postoperative patients remain in bed longer than necessary due to inconsistent mobility protocols and delays in initiating ambulation. For example, in our surgical unit, some patients do not ambulate for several hours and others for a full day after surgery, despite being medically stable. Additionally, ambulation orders are sometimes not clearly documented in the electronic medical records, which Irmak et al. (2022) note can lead to uncertainty among nursing staff about when patients can safely begin mobilizing. Other examples of this issue within the selected focus area include patients who remain on bed rest due to limited staff availability to assist with ambulation and a lack of interdisciplinary coordination between nurses and physical therapists.
Audience
Describe in the space below your target audience, including the setting (where it is to be presented? is it in person or online?) for which your information dissemination will be planned. The presentation is designed for either an in-person or online audience setting. You may mention other populations who would benefit from this information as well, but explain why you decided to address your target audience:
The primary target audience of the capstone project includes nurses working in the postoperative surgical unit in my clinical setting. Nurses were selected as the target audience because they are the primary healthcare professionals responsible for monitoring postoperative patients, assisting with ambulation, documenting patient mobility, and implementing evidence-based interventions to prevent postoperative complications, such as DVT. Studies show that improving nurses’ knowledge, awareness, and adherence to early mobilization protocols can directly influence patient outcomes and reduce the incidence of preventable postoperative complications.
This information will be disseminated during an in-person educational session conducted during a professional development session within the hospital setting. According to Shetty et al. (2022), presenting information in person enables interactive discussion, question clarification, and engagement, which are essential for nursing staff directly responsible for implementing postoperative care interventions. The presentation will include evidence-based research findings, the rationale for early mobilization protocols, and practical strategies for nurses to promote patient ambulation within 24 hours of surgery.
Other populations that would benefit from the information are physical therapists and hospital administrators. Physical therapists collaborate with nurses to assist patients with safe ambulation and rehabilitation following surgery, while hospital administrators may find this information valuable because reducing postoperative DVT aligns with patient safety goals and quality improvement initiatives. However, nurses are the primary audience due to their active role in implementing mobility interventions at the bedside.
Implications
In the space below, explain, in detail, the desired impact of presenting your Capstone Project information to your chosen participants/audience. Include all aspects (financial, regulatory, accrediting, safety, and patient satisfaction outcomes) related to the topic you have selected:
Dissemination of the findings from this capstone project will positively influence clinical practice by increasing awareness of the relationship between early mobilization and reduced postoperative complications. When healthcare providers are presented with evidence demonstrating that early ambulation significantly decreases the risk of DVT, they are more likely to incorporate mobility protocols into routine care (Basil & Kurt, 2025). The desired impact of presenting the capstone project findings to the target audience is to promote the adoption of evidence-based early mobilization practices to reduce the risk of DVT post-surgery. By disseminating information on the importance of early ambulation and standardized mobility protocols, the project aims to influence clinical practice, enhance patient safety, and improve the overall quality of care. Educating nursing staff about the relationship between postoperative immobility and DVT risk can increase adherence to mobility guidelines and encourage proactive patient ambulation within the recommended timeframe after surgery.
The dissemination of this project has essential financial implications for the healthcare organization. Since DVT is associated with significant treatment costs, extended hospital stays, and increased resource utilization, preventing it through early mobilization can reduce the need for costly diagnostic procedures, anticoagulation therapy, and management of further complications such as pulmonary embolism, while preventing financial penalties or reduced reimbursement for preventable hospital-acquired conditions under value-based care programs. The regulatory and accreditation implications include supporting compliance with standards that require healthcare institutions to reduce complications. Additionally, the organization may use data collected from mobility documentation and patient outcomes to support quality improvement initiatives and regulatory reporting requirements.
From a patient safety perspective, preventing DVT will improve circulation, reduce the risk of thrombosis, and promote faster recovery. In addition to reducing DVT incidence, early mobilization can decrease the likelihood of other complications such as pressure injuries, pulmonary complications, muscle deconditioning, and functional decline. The project also has the potential to influence patient satisfaction and the overall patient experience positively. Alameer et al. (2022) note that patients who are encouraged and supported to engage in early mobility often experience faster recovery, improved comfort, and greater participation in their own care.
Objectives and Content
Use the provided grid to make any requested/needed changes (since you have already received feedback on them in a previous assignment/discussion board). For this assignment, you must also include at least three references per objective. You may include references that are not from peer-reviewed journals, but be judicious in their use, and do not include those in your count of required articles. Remember that all references must be less than five years old:
Strategies
In the grid on the next page, describe each visual aid, handout, and/or verbal presentation/demonstration strategy that your information dissemination would include. You may use the same strategies for each outcome, or you may “mix and match”. Here are some of the types of visual aids you might use:
Slides (like PowerPoint)
Poster
Brochure
Handout
Chart
Diagrams
Models
Video
Simulation
Here are some of the types of verbal strategies you might use:
Lecture
Demonstration
Guided questions
Expert panel
Guided hands-on training
Be sure to include a Q&A session for the conclusion of your presentation.
Time
In the grid on the next page, record the amount of time needed for each activity or part of your presentation. Include time for Q&A at the end of the presentation.
Please review this example for the grid:
| Objectives | Content | Strategies | Time |
| By the end of the presentation, 98% of the audience will be able to identify three ways to prevent falls in the LTC until.
(Be sure to make any needed changes based on comments from Module 2’s graded assignment).
|
· Fall Prevention
Doe, J. (2014). How to prevent falls in a long term care unit. Journal of Fall Prevention, 8(26), 23-32. Retrieved from ESBO Host. · Nursing Interventions Smith, T. (2013). When a patient falls: What the nurse should do. American Journal of Geriatrics, 7(12), 23-31. Retrieved from ESBOhost. · Complications from falls in the elderly Ying, X. (2015). What can we do to stop falls among the elderly. Journal of Fall Prevention, 10(3), 14-23. Retrieved from EBSOhost. |
PPT
Lecture
Guided Discussion |
15 minutes |
| Complete the rest of the grid as shown above. | Remember that you will need at least three references per outcome. | Complete for all outcomes | Complete for all outcomes |
Below is a grid/table that you can utilize to complete your assignment. Please remember to ask questions if you are unclear. More rows can be added to grid/table.
| Objectives | Content | Strategies | Time |
| By the end of four weeks of implementation, nurses will accurately document the mobility status of 90% of adult postoperative patients each shift, as measured by electronic medical record audits. | · Nursing documentation of Deep Vein Thrombosis preventive practices. The article underscores the importance of documentation practices in DVT prevention and the prevention of other postoperative complications.
Basli, A. A., & Kurt, D. (2025). Deep vein thrombosis risk and preventive nursing practices in surgical patients: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Journal of vascular nursing: official publication of the Society for Peripheral Vascular Nursing, 43(1), 27–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvn.2024.12.001 · Role of nurses in DVT prevention Hu, S., Huang, J., Wang, H., & Wang, Y. (2025). Nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding deep vein thrombosis and the nursing management. Scientific reports, 15(1), 17174. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96551-0 · Nursing interventions to prevent DVT Alanezi, R. D., Alenazi, A. M. J., Alenzi, S. A. L., Alruwaili, A. M., Alanez, A. M., Alrashed, M. S., & Alanazi, S. A. H. (2024). Nursing strategies to avoid DVT among postoperative patients: A comprehensive review. Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research, 7(S11), 1502. https://doi.org/10.63278/jicrcr.vi.1419 |
PowerPoint presentation
Demonstrations Interactive discussions |
30 minutes |
| Within 12 weeks, 85% of postoperative patients are able to ambulate within 24 hours of surgery, as tracked by daily nursing records. | · The role of early mobilization in the incidence of DVT compared to late mobilization after surgery. Demonstrates the clinical benefit and feasibility of promoting early ambulation after surgery
Azeem, M., Ullah, R., Hussain, W., Riaz, A., & Zainab, U. (2025). Role of early mobilization in mitigating the risk of deep venous thrombosis after total knee replacement. Journal of Health, Wellness and Community Research, e217-e217. https://doi.org/10.61919/ac0beb81 · Evidence supporting early ambulation within 24 hours of surgery Liu, F., Tan, J., & Pan, Y. (2025). Prevention of deep vein thrombosis in postoperative orthopedic patients: a hybrid meta-analysis and clinical case study. Frontiers in Medicine, 12, 1603191. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1603191 · Clinical guidelines and recommendations for postoperative ambulation Abukhalil, A. D., Nasser, A., Khader, H., Albandak, M., Madia, R., Al-Shami, N., & Naseef, H. A. (2022). VTE prophylaxis therapy: Clinical practice vs clinical guidelines. Vascular Health and Risk Management, 18, 701–710. https://doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S382050 |
PowerPoint Presentation
visual diagrams scenario-based demonstrations
|
20 minutes |
| By the end of sixteen weeks, the project will reduce postoperative immobility-related complications, including Deep Vein Thrombosis, by at least 20% compared to baseline, as measured by patient outcome data. | · Nursing interventions-early mobilization and patient education are associated with lower incidences of DVT and enhanced recovery outcomes for adult patients, supporting the long-term effectiveness of structured mobilization protocols as part of postoperative care.
Liu, F., Tan, J., & Pan, Y. (2025). Prevention of deep vein thrombosis in postoperative orthopedic patients: a hybrid meta-analysis and clinical case study. Frontiers in Medicine, 12, 1603191. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1603191
Chen, J., Gan, X., Song, J., Gao, L., Shao, M., Wang, Y., & Gao, Y. (2025). A systematic review and meta-analysis of barriers affecting early ambulation in older patients after hip fracture surgery. Nursing & Health Sciences, 27(3), e70177. https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.70177
Zeller, J. L. (2022). Enhanced recovery after surgery clinical pathway implementation effect on postoperative ambulation. http://hdl.handle.net/10713/18738
|
Data visualization (Charts/ graphs)
Discussions Question and answer session
|
15 miutes |
References
Alameer, A., Aherne, T., Naughton, P., Aly, S., McHugh, S., Moneley, D., & Kheirelseid, E. A. H. (2022). Peri-procedural thromboprophylaxis in the prevention of DVT in varicose vein interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Surgeon: Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland, 20(6), e392–e404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surge.2022.04.002
Alanezi, R. D., Alenazi, A. M. J., Alenzi, S. A. L., Alruwaili, A. M., Alanez, A. M., Alrashed, M. S., & Alanazi, S. A. H. (2024). Nursing strategies to avoid DVT among postoperative patients: Comprehensive review. Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research, 7(S11), 1502. https://doi.org/10.63278/jicrcr.vi.1419
Azeem, M., Ullah, R., Hussain, W., Riaz, A., & Zainab, U. (2025). Role of early mobilization in mitigating the risk of deep venous thrombosis after total knee replacement. Journal of Health, Wellness and Community Research, e217-e217. https://doi.org/10.61919/ac0beb81
Basli, A. A., & Kurt, D. (2025). Deep vein thrombosis risk and preventive nursing practices in surgical patients: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Journal of Vascular Nursing: Official Publication of the Society for Peripheral Vascular Nursing, 43(1), 27–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvn.2024.12.001
Irmak, B., Karadağ, M., & Emre, N. Y. (2022). The risk factors for preoperative and postoperative deep vein thrombosis in surgical patients. Clinical and Experimental Health Sciences, 12(1), 120. https://doi.org/10.33808/clinexphealthsci.839430
Hu, S., Huang, J., Wang, H., & Wang, Y. (2025). Nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding deep vein thrombosis and the nursing management. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 17174. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96551-0
Liu, F., Tan, J., & Pan, Y. (2025). Prevention of deep vein thrombosis in postoperative orthopedic patients: a hybrid meta-analysis and clinical case study. Frontiers in Medicine, 12, 1603191. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1603191
Shetty, M., Aggarwal, N. R., Parwani, P., Bucciarelli-Ducci, C., Lopez-Mattei, J., Choi, A., & Grosse-Wortmann, L. (2022). Social media to enhance engagement and science dissemination during in-person and virtual medical conferences: the SCMR 2020 and 2021 experiences: a report of the SCMR social media task force. Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, 24(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12968-021-00837-x