Potential Doctoral Projects- DHA and DNP
A. Case Study Analysis
This project is based on a specific case study scenario. Case data and details are used to provide evidence-based recommendations.
- State the problem
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Identify and engage stakeholders
- Evaluate outcomes
- Identify and analyze alternative solutions
- Weigh project outcomes
- Make the recommendation
- Apply recommendation to broader administration considerations
B. Change Management Plan
This project is problem-focused and requires the application of change management theory and models. The project objective is to develop a clear, specific, and strategic plan to effect the desired change.
- Identify an area of focus for targeted change
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Engage stakeholders
- Identify and address potential challenges to plan adoption and implementation
- Project outcomes
- Apply evidence-based measures to evaluate the proposed plan
C. Design or Evaluate New Models of Care
The goal of this innovative project is to identify change in the way health services are currently delivered. It involves critical thinking and the utilization of clinical expertise, communication skills, financial, research, economic & data analysis, evaluation and project management skills.
- Identify specific proposed new and innovative care models
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Create and apply measures to evaluate care model outcomes
- Identify stakeholders
- Conduct impact analysis from stakeholders’ perspective
- Present evidence-based review of outcomes
- Draw conclusions and make recommendations for sustainability or modification to the model
D. Evaluation (project, program, product, intervention, or service)
This project focuses on evaluation research or program evaluation and evaluates the effectiveness/impact of a project, program, product, intervention, service, etc. with a focus on health administration. It is not a methodology, but an application of an evidence-based purpose. The intention is to demonstrate a real-world effect. This project should be used to gain insight, improve practice, assess effects, and/or build capacity.
- Identify area of focus
- State the problem
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Engage the stakeholders
- Describe the program, project, product, intervention, or services
- Justify conclusions
E. Healthcare Delivery Innovation (an evidence-based practice model)
This project explores healthcare delivery innovation (a new staffing model, integration of new technology, revised organizational structure, interprofessional team models, etc.).
- Identify specific healthcare delivery innovation
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Create and apply measures to evaluate outcomes of the proposed innovation
- Identify stakeholders
- Conduct impact analysis from stakeholders’ perspective
- Present evidence-based review of outcomes for impact on care delivery
- Draw conclusions and make recommendations for sustainability or modification to the innovation
F. Healthcare Policy Analysis/Policy Development (provider workforce shortages, inequality in access to care, controls for monopolies, etc.)
This project is broad and may include the analysis of a policy process, the analysis of policy content, or the development of a new policy. The project topic may be based on local, state or federal policy or regulation.
- Identify area of focus
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Engage the stakeholders
- Consider different policy options
- Project the outcomes
- Apply evaluative criteria (population benefit; cost/economics; ethics/equity; administrative feasibility; stakeholder perspectives)
- Recommend policy advocacy; policy development; policy manual development
- Consider sustainability
G. Infrastructure Development (inefficiencies, redundancies, resource allocation, etc.)
This project explores opportunities for addressing an infrastructure problem that has direct relevance to healthcare outcomes.
- Identify a specific infrastructure problem
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Create and apply measures to evaluate impact of a proposed infrastructure modification
- Identify and address potential legal and regulatory barriers
- Identify and address stakeholders (i.e., patients, providers, organizations)
- Conduct evidence-based outcomes impact analysis relevant to care outcomes and providers
- Draw conclusions and make recommendations for sustainability or modification to proposed infrastructure development
H. Practice Change Initiative (Clinical or Practice-Based Inquiry)
This project refers to an exploration and analysis of a specific clinical or change in practice models that impacts patient outcomes.
- Identify a specific patient population or specific practice standard for investigation
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Conduct analysis of clinical or practice-based model
- Present evidence-based review of outcomes
- Propose alternative models that will impact patient outcomes
- Identify and address barriers and solutions to the clinical practice problem
I. Quality Improvement/Performance Management Project (i.e., Plan-Do-Study-Act; Six Sigma; LEAN; Root Cause Analysis; health failure modes and effects analysis; patient safety and quality, etc.)
This project consists of systematic and continuous actions that lead to measurable improvement in healthcare systems, services, and/or the health status of targeted patient groups. Focuses on leadership solutions that support being a part of a team and the use of relevant data.
- Identify area of focus
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Conduct SWOT analysis
- Set SMART goals
- Develop measures/ROI/ financial analysis
- Identify change ideas as a result in improvement
- Design a process/action plan
Potential Doctoral Projects- DHA ONLY
J. Action Research
This project is focused on change that is achieved by simultaneously taking specific action and researching the process and impact.
- Identify a target outcome or change
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Develop measures related to identified action parameters
- Apply evidence-based analysis of the processes implemented
- Critically reflect on outcomes
- Recommendations for sustainability or modifications
K. Conduct Financial Analyses to Compare Care Models (standardized care, patient safety and quality/quality improvement)
This project explores various care models within the framework of cost and financial impact from the perspective of multiple stakeholders.
- Identify specific care models for comparison
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Conduct analysis of financial impact (RVUs, supply chain, workforce, facilities, etc.) across selected care and reimbursement models
- Present evidence-based review of financial comparisons
- Draw conclusions and make recommendations that address value-based care or other perspectives
L. Marketing Strategies for a New Service
This project will develop a strategic marketing plan for a new service (wellness or prevention program, new service line at health system, service line management and promotion, health behavior promotion, etc.)
- Define the parameters of the new service
- Identify target market and performance goals
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Create an evidence-based strategic plan to achieve specific marketing target
- Identify and address potential legal and regulatory barriers
- Identify and address stakeholders
- Conduct evidence-based outcomes impact analysis for achieving target market goals
- Draw conclusions and make recommendations for sustainability or modification to market strategies
M. Technology
Implement or evaluate innovative uses for technology to enhance or evaluate care outcomes (robotics, artificial intelligence, social media applications, etc.)
- Identify a specific technology or application of a new technology
- Search for evidence/literature review
- Create and apply measures to evaluate impact on care outcomes for the proposed technology innovation
- Identify potential legal and regulatory barriers
- Identify physical and/or technical challenges to implementation
- Identify stakeholders
- Conduct care outcomes impact analysis of the technology innovation from stakeholders’ perspectives
- Present evidence-based review of outcomes for impact on care delivery
- Draw conclusions and make recommendations for sustainability or modification to the technology innovation
