Assessment Task 5: Quality Improvement Project Proposal

Course Details

Course Code: NURS 4685

Course Title: RN-BSN Capstone

University: University of Texas at Arlington

Semester: Spring 2026

Level: Undergraduate (Final Year)

Assessment Weighting: 30%

Due Date: Week 6

Word Count: 1,500–2,000 words

Context

This assessment initiates the capstone quality improvement (QI) project, requiring a formal proposal for a practice change. It aligns with AACN essentials for systems leadership and QI, using models like PDSA to address real clinical issues. Students build on prior knowledge of evidence-based practice to plan sustainable improvements in patient safety or outcomes.

Task Description

Develop a QI project proposal identifying a clinical problem, reviewing literature, stating aims, and outlining implementation/evaluation using PDSA cycles. Focus on feasible changes in areas like patient safety, education, or processes.

Requirements

• Identify problem from clinical experience (e.g., high fall rates, low hand hygiene compliance, or readmission risks).
• Include background, significance, PICOT question or aim statement.
• Summarise 8-10 sources supporting need and interventions.
• Detail PDSA plan: timeline, stakeholders, resources, measures.
• Discuss sustainability, barriers, ethical considerations.
• Use APA 7th edition; include appendices for tools/charts.
• Submit via platform as Word document.

Marking Criteria/Rubric

1. Problem Identification and Background (20%): Clear description; data-supported significance.
2. Literature Review (25%): Comprehensive, current sources; synthesis of evidence.
3. Aims and Objectives (15%): Specific, measurable aim; aligned PICOT.
4. QI Plan and Methods (25%): Detailed PDSA cycles; feasible timeline, measures.
5. Evaluation, Sustainability, Ethics (10%): Outcome metrics; barriers addressed.
6. Academic Standards (5%): Structure, APA, word count.

Project targeted reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) on a medical-surgical unit where rates exceeded benchmarks at 4.2 per 1,000 catheter days. Literature confirmed nurse-driven removal protocols lowered incidence by 30-50% in similar settings. Aim stated decreasing CAUTIs by 40% over six months through daily reviews and early removals. Plan phase developed checklist and education sessions involving staff nurses and physicians. Do phase piloted on one pod with weekly audits tracking compliance. Study phase analysed infection rates and feedback surveys monthly. Act phase standardised protocol unit-wide if successful. Evaluation used run charts for rates and staff satisfaction scores. As Langley et al. (2009) describe, iterative PDSA cycles enable rapid testing and refinement for reliable improvements. Stakeholder buy-in ensured through monthly updates.

• References

1. Langley, G. J., Moen, R. D., Nolan, K. M., Nolan, T. W., Norman, C. L. and Provost, L. P. (2009) The improvement guide: a practical approach to enhancing organizational performance. 2nd edn. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Available at: https://www.apiweb.org/model-for-improvement.
2. Silver, S. A., McQuillan, R., Harel, Z., Weizman, A. V., Thomas, A., Nesrallah, G., Bell, C. M., Chan, C. T. and Chertow, G. M. (2016) ‘How to sustain change and improve outcomes in healthcare: the Model for Improvement’, BMJ Quality & Safety, 25(12), pp. 1030-1038. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2015-004894.
3. Taylor, M. J., McNicholas, C., Nicolay, C., Darzi, A., Bell, D. and Reed, J. E. (2014) ‘Systematic review of the application of the plan-do-study-act method to improve quality in healthcare’, BMJ Quality & Safety, 23(4), pp. 290-298. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2013-001862.
4. Ogrinc, G., Davies, L., Goodman, D., Batalden, P., Davidoff, F. and Stevens, D. (2016) ‘SQUIRE 2.0 (Standards for QUality Improvement Reporting Excellence): revised publication guidelines from a detailed consensus process’, BMJ Quality & Safety, 25(12), pp. 986-992. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2015-004411.