DNP Dissertation Ideas in Primary Care

DNP Dissertation Ideas in Primary Care

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) dissertations in primary care focus on evidence-based practice improvements, quality initiatives, and innovative solutions to real-world healthcare challenges. These projects should demonstrate advanced clinical expertise while addressing significant gaps in primary care delivery.

Key Areas of Focus for Primary Care DNP Projects

1. Chronic Disease Management

Diabetes Care Optimization

• Implementation of continuous glucose monitoring protocols in underserved populations
• Development of culturally tailored diabetes self-management education programs
• Evaluation of telehealth interventions for diabetes medication adherence
• Integration of pharmacist-led diabetes care coordination in primary care settings

Hypertension Management

• Home blood pressure monitoring program implementation and outcomes
• Community health worker integration for hypertension management
• Medication adherence improvement strategies using digital health tools
• Evaluation of lifestyle intervention programs in primary care settings

Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

• Implementation of cardiovascular risk calculators in routine primary care
• Development of smoking cessation programs with follow-up protocols
• Integration of cardiac rehabilitation referral pathways
• Evaluation of lipid management protocols in diverse populations

2. Preventive Care and Health Promotion

Cancer Screening Programs

• Improving colorectal cancer screening rates through patient navigation
• Implementation of HPV vaccination programs in adolescent populations
• Breast cancer screening adherence in rural or underserved communities
• Development of culturally appropriate cervical cancer screening protocols

Immunization Initiatives

• Adult immunization catch-up programs in primary care
• COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy intervention strategies
• Influenza vaccination improvement programs for high-risk populations
• Implementation of standing order protocols for routine immunizations

Women’s Health

• Contraceptive counseling and access improvement programs
• Preconception care integration in routine primary care visits
• Menopause management education and protocol development
• Domestic violence screening and intervention protocols

3. Mental Health Integration

Behavioral Health Integration

• Implementation of collaborative care models for depression and anxiety
• Suicide risk screening and intervention protocols in primary care
• Integration of mental health screening tools in routine visits
• Development of referral pathways for mental health services

Substance Use Disorders

• Opioid use disorder screening and treatment protocols
• Alcohol screening and brief intervention programs
• Implementation of medication-assisted treatment in primary care
• Development of harm reduction strategies for substance use

4. Population Health and Health Equity

Health Disparities Reduction

• Addressing racial and ethnic disparities in chronic disease outcomes
• Implementation of social determinants of health screening tools
• Development of community-based health promotion programs
• Evaluation of language interpretation services impact on care quality

Rural Health Initiatives

• Telehealth implementation for specialist consultations
• Mobile health unit program development and evaluation
• Provider shortage mitigation strategies
• Transportation barrier solutions for healthcare access

5. Technology and Innovation

Electronic Health Record Optimization

• Clinical decision support tool implementation and evaluation
• Patient portal utilization improvement strategies
• Electronic medication reconciliation process improvement
• Implementation of predictive analytics for risk stratification

Digital Health Solutions

• Wearable device integration for chronic disease monitoring
• Mobile health app effectiveness evaluation
• Text messaging interventions for medication adherence
• Virtual reality applications for patient education

6. Care Coordination and Team-Based Care

Care Transitions

• Hospital-to-home transition improvement programs
• Medication reconciliation process optimization
• Care coordination for complex patients with multiple chronic conditions
• Implementation of transitional care nurse models

Team-Based Care Models

• Integration of advanced practice providers in team-based care
• Community health worker role definition and evaluation
• Pharmacist integration in primary care teams
• Care coordinator effectiveness in chronic disease management

Sample DNP Project Titles

1. “Implementation of a Pharmacist-Led Medication Therapy Management Program for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care: A Quality Improvement Initiative”
2. “Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates Through Patient Navigation in a Federally Qualified Health Center: An Evidence-Based Practice Project”
3. “Integration of Mental Health Screening Tools in Primary Care: Evaluating the Impact on Depression Identification and Treatment Initiation”
4. “Telehealth Implementation for Chronic Disease Management in Rural Primary Care: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation”
5. “Reducing Hospital Readmissions Through Enhanced Care Transitions: Implementation of a Nurse Practitioner-Led Transitional Care Program”
6. “Addressing Health Disparities in Hypertension Management: A Culturally Tailored Intervention in an Urban Primary Care Setting”
7. “Improving Adult Immunization Rates Through Electronic Health Record Clinical Decision Support: A Quality Improvement Project”
8. “Implementation of Collaborative Care Model for Depression Management in Primary Care: Outcomes and Provider Satisfaction”
9. “Opioid Stewardship Program Implementation in Primary Care: Evaluating Prescribing Practices and Patient Outcomes”
10. “Social Determinants of Health Screening Integration: Impact on Care Planning and Resource Utilization in Primary Care”

Project Development Framework

Phase 1: Problem Identification and Literature Review

• Conduct comprehensive literature review
• Identify gaps in current practice
• Define PICOT question
• Establish theoretical framework
• Obtain stakeholder buy-in

Phase 2: Project Planning and Design

• Develop implementation plan
• Create evaluation metrics
• Design data collection methods
• Obtain necessary approvals (IRB, organizational)
• Establish timeline and budget

Phase 3: Implementation

• Execute intervention according to plan
• Monitor progress and fidelity
• Collect data systematically
• Address barriers as they arise
• Maintain stakeholder engagement

Phase 4: Evaluation and Dissemination

• Analyze outcomes data
• Compare results to baseline and benchmarks
• Assess sustainability factors
• Develop dissemination plan
• Share findings through presentations and publications

Outcome Measures to Consider

Clinical Outcomes

• Disease-specific indicators (HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol levels)
• Screening rates and adherence
• Medication adherence rates
• Emergency department utilization
• Hospital readmission rates

Process Outcomes

• Provider workflow efficiency
• Time to diagnosis or treatment initiation
• Care coordination metrics
• Documentation completeness
• Protocol adherence rates

Patient-Reported Outcomes

• Patient satisfaction scores
• Quality of life measures
• Self-efficacy assessments
• Patient activation measures
• Care experience ratings

Economic Outcomes

• Cost per patient
• Return on investment
• Resource utilization
• Provider productivity
• Avoided costs from preventable complications

Theoretical Frameworks for DNP Projects

Implementation Science Models

• RE-AIM Framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance)
• PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycles
• Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)
• Diffusion of Innovation Theory
• Logic Model approach

Quality Improvement Models

• Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for Improvement
• Lean methodology
• Six Sigma approach
• Root cause analysis
• Failure mode and effects analysis

Nursing and Healthcare Models

• Transitional Care Model
• Chronic Care Model
• Patient-Centered Medical Home
• Triple Aim framework
• Quadruple Aim framework

Funding and Support Opportunities

Federal Funding Sources

• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grants
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) funding
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunities

Professional Organization Support

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) grants
• Sigma Theta Tau International research grants
• American Organization for Nursing Leadership funding
• Specialty nursing organization grants

Industry and Foundation Support

• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• Commonwealth Fund
• Local community foundations
• Healthcare system internal funding
• Professional development funds

Tips for Success

Choosing Your Topic

• Select a problem that is significant to your practice setting
• Ensure adequate scope for a doctoral-level project
• Consider available resources and timeframe
• Align with organizational priorities
• Focus on measurable outcomes

Building Support

• Engage key stakeholders early
• Demonstrate potential return on investment
• Align with organizational strategic goals
• Secure champion support
• Plan for sustainability from the beginning

Managing the Project

• Develop realistic timelines
• Build in flexibility for unexpected challenges
• Maintain regular communication with stakeholders
• Document everything systematically
• Celebrate small wins along the way

DNP dissertations in primary care offer tremendous opportunities to make meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery while advancing nursing science. The key to success lies in selecting a focused, feasible project that addresses a real practice problem and has the potential for broad impact and sustainability. By combining clinical expertise with implementation science principles, DNP students can create lasting change that improves patient outcomes and transforms primary care practice.

Remember that the best DNP projects are those that not only meet academic requirements but also create lasting positive change in the healthcare environment where they are implemented. Focus on problems that matter to patients, providers, and healthcare systems, and design interventions that can be sustained beyond the project period.