Capstone Project Outline/Contents
I. Cover/Title Page
II. Table of Contents
III. Abstract – written last
a. 150 to 250 words
b. Concise and non-evaluative
c. Not an introduction
IV. Chapter 1 – Problem Statement (5 to 7 pages)
a. Introduction
b. What is the specific problem within the healthcare environment that needs
to be addressed?
c. History of problem
i. When did it first appear?
ii. Who does it affect?
1. Demographics
iii. What has been done historically if anything?
d. Current scope
i. Significance of problem
ii. What is currently being done?
iii. What role does management currently play within the context
of the issue?
iv. Responsibility of problem
1. Who owns it?
2. Why does it remain unaddressed or persist?
v. Is it related to cost, access, or quality – combination or all?
e. Definition of terms
f. Conclusion
V. Chapter 2 – Literature Review (5 to 7 pages)
a. Introduction
b. What has been published?
c. Theoretical framework within which the problem exists
d. Literature review full circle
e. Conclusion
(Not just a regurgitation of what has been published – rather this is an analysis
of what is known and not known about the problem)
2
VI. Chapter 3 – Strategic Plan (5 to 7 pages)
a. Introduction
b. What should management do?
i. Implementation
1. Costs – direct and indirect
a. Who will pay?
b. Sustainability?
2. Labor needed
a. Special training required?
3. Technology needed
a. Current systems in place?
4. Communication
a. Gaining employee buy-in
b. Formal versus informal
ii. Short-term versus long-term planning
c. Who will benefit?
i. Organization?
1. Leadership?
2. Employees?
ii. Patients?
iii. Providers
d. What will the healthcare environment look like once problem is solved?
e. Conclusion
VII. Chapter 4 – Recommendations for Future Study/Limitations (2 to 3 pages)
a. Introduction
b. Possible barriers for implementation
i. Social barriers – if any
ii. Political barriers – if any
c. Limitations of plan
i. Scope
ii. Cost
d. Conclusion
VIII. Chapter 5 – References
a. Introduction
b. 80% newer than 5 years
c. Germinal research present
d. At least 20 references
e. All references cited in body
f. No active hyperlinks
g. Conclusion
IX. Appendices – if any (Tables, charts, etc.)
My topic of discussion is Arkansas’s third-highest infant mortality rate, with a focus on deaths of
Black infants. I wanted to pick a subject that personally affected me and that I would find
interesting. Although we’re only brainstorming and this is the beginning, I think I might need
some direction to make sure this is an acceptable topic. I am aware that there is a problem, and
my place of employment has a program in place to deal with it. Currently, our pediatrics
department offers a program called Following Baby Back Home that provides social assistance,
case management from the health department, child protective services, and prenatal care in an
effort to improve outcomes for high-risk infants and mothers. The CDC reports that the highest
rate of maternal death in the US occurs among African American women. In particular, the way
you’re treated in the South. I selected this because I work in the healthcare industry and I am
aware that I was treated differently during my birthing experience. Just think of the women who
do not have the money or insurance to receive the care they need. Despite the discomfort of the
conversation, it’s necessary to address this situation. I initially chose the topic, but now I’m
second guessing myself and think that I should find a new problem. What are your thoughts on
the topic?
