Assignment Prompt & Instructions
**files (2)**
– ## MSNCapstoneProjec1.docx
– ## ThePICOTquestionselectedforthisdiscussionis.docx
**## MSNCapstoneProjec1.docx**
MSN Capstone Project-DAX-DL01 Carmen Lazo
Capstone Part I: PICOT Assignment
**CAPSTONE: PART I Due 1/24/2026 by 11:59pm**
**The PICOT will be a health issue identified at work or in the community. Be creative! There are certain topics that have been saturated in healthcare and have been implemented multiple times in this course. Do not** present on the following topics:
Diabetes, CHF, Blood pressure, Infection Control (hand washing, post op infections), Medication compliance programs, Telemedicine/Home programs, Pressure Ulcers, Falls, Nursing Burnout.
1. Title Page (use appropriate title for faculty) EX: Dr. Carmen Lazo, DNP, MSN, APRN-BC, APN
2. Introduction to your proposed problem:
– Significance of the Practice Problem: Discuss the identified Practice Problem.
-Introduce the topic of the paper (Abstract, Introduction). Describe the health problem.
-Using data and statistics, support your claim that your selected issue is a problem. What is the cost (national and local) and budget (if any) for your proposal. What is the cost nationally and locally?
– Include your purpose statement and what specifically you will address in your proposed program. Be sure your proposed outcome is realistic and measurable. Align with the semester hours.
3. PICOT- Should be discussed in detail. This section should include your PICOT question but also should provide thorough descriptions of your population, intervention, comparison intervention, outcome, and timing.
The word PICOT is a mnemonic derived from the elements of a clinical research question – patient, intervention, comparison, outcome, and time. The PICOT process begins with a case scenario, and the question is phrased to elicit an answer. Present the PICOT in
**APA Essay format. do not use bullet points**.
P – Patient/Problem I – Intervention C -Comparison O – Outcome T – Timeframe
4. Describe the vulnerable population and setting.
-Be specific. Discuss the impact of social determinants on health for your selected population.
-What are the risk factors that make this a vulnerable population? Why is change important for this population? What are the current statistics and cost? Use national and local data on your population's setting. Where are they exisiting? Ex. Miami-Dade.
-Use evidence to support the risk factors you have identified.
5. Research should be from scholarly journals of evidence-based interventions that address the
problem. Do not use websites as subtitutes. At least 5 schorlary articles and if applicable schorlarly websites.
-Peer-reviewed research articles not older than five years (all articles must be used in your paper)
6. Proposal
-Propose addressing the selected health problem using an evidence-based intervention in your
literature search to address the problem in the selected population/setting.
-Include a thorough discussion of the specifics of this intervention which include resources necessary, those involved, and feasibility for a nurse in an advanced role.
-Be sure to include a timeline for the intervention proposed.
7. Theoretical Framework/Nursing Theory- This section should include the theoretical framework which supports your project. Describe a theory or model to serve as the foundation for your project. How will this theory be incorparated into your Capstone? Discuss in details.
– Overall, you should be able to introduce the problem and why this is significant to the healthcare system. For example: What impact does it have on the patient, community, cost of care, quality of life, readmissions and so forth.
-Use appropriate APA 7th Ed. format. Write PICOT in ESSAY format.
-Scholarly, peer-reviewed, and research articles cited should be within the last five years.
-This section should be minimum 5 pages long (not including the title and reference page).
-Use proper in-text citations with a properly formatted reference list.
-All papers must be written in the 3rd person.
**Rubric Grading Part I.docx**
**## ThePICOTquestionselectedforthisdiscussionis.docx**
The PICOT question selected for this discussion is: In adults with mild insomnia (P), does providing a short educational handout on sleep hygiene (I), compared to usual care (C), improve sleep quality (O) within 8 weeks (T)? This question addresses a significant and increasingly recognized public health concern. Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent and have been linked to adverse physical and mental health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and depression (Lim et al., 2023). Despite its impact, sleep health remains underprioritized in many clinical and community settings.
The healthcare problem targeted is the limited integration of non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia in routine care. Many patients with mild insomnia do not receive structured education on sleep hygiene and may instead be managed with pharmacologic therapies, which can lead to dependency, side effects, and increased healthcare costs. Behavioral and educational approaches, such as sleep hygiene instruction, are strongly supported as first-line strategies for improving sleep outcomes (Morin et al., 2023). Therefore, implementing a simple educational handout represents a practical, evidence-based intervention that can be easily integrated into outpatient practice.
The impact of this issue extends beyond individual patients. Poor sleep contributes to decreased quality of life, impaired cognitive performance, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare utilization. At the community level, particularly in areas such as Miami-Dade County, addressing sleep health can improve overall population wellness and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Furthermore, inadequate sleep has been associated with higher risks of chronic disease exacerbation, which may contribute to increased readmissions and long-term healthcare costs (Lim et al., 2023).
The proposed setting is a primary care or outpatient clinic in Miami-Dade, focusing on adults experiencing mild insomnia. An 8-week timeframe allows for adequate implementation of the intervention and evaluation of measurable improvements in sleep quality. This approach supports a cost-effective, patient-centered, and evidence-based strategy that aligns with current clinical recommendations and promotes sustainable improvements in health outcomes.
References
Lim, D. C., Najafi, A., Afifi, L., Bassetti, C. L., Buysse, D. J., Han, F., … & Jackson, C. L. (2023). The need to promote sleep health in public health agendas across the globe. The Lancet Public Health, 8(10), e820-e826.
Morin, C. M., Bei, B., Bjorvatn, B., Poyares, D., Spiegelhalder, K., & Wing, Y. K. (2023). World sleep society international sleep medicine guidelines position statement endorsement of “behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: An American Academy of sleep medicine clinical practice guidelines”. Sleep medicine, 109, 164-169.
Top of Form
For my capstone project, I will use Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory and Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory because both theories support patient education, behavioral modification, and evidence-based nursing practice. My PICOT question focuses on adults with mild insomnia and evaluates whether providing a sleep hygiene educational handout improves sleep quality within 8 weeks. Since the intervention depends on patient participation and behavioral changes, these theories provide an appropriate framework for implementation and evaluation.
Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory is especially relevant to my project because it emphasizes the patient’s ability to engage in self-care activities that promote health and well-being. Patients with mild insomnia can benefit from learning strategies such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, reducing caffeine intake, limiting electronic device use before bedtime, and creating a healthy sleep environment. In my capstone project, I will incorporate Orem’s theory by educating patients about evidence-based sleep hygiene practices and encouraging them to independently apply these behaviors in their daily lives. The nurse’s role will be to provide education, support, and follow-up to reinforce self-care behaviors and monitor improvements in sleep quality (Tanaka, 2022).
Additionally, Lewin’s Change Theory will guide the implementation of the intervention within the outpatient clinical setting. The theory’s three stages—unfreezing, changing, and refreezing—will support both patient and organizational change. During the unfreezing stage, patients and healthcare providers will recognize the importance of non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia management. During the changing stage, the educational handouts will be distributed, and sleep hygiene teaching will be reinforced during visits. Finally, the refreezing stage will focus on maintaining healthy sleep behaviors and integrating sleep hygiene education into routine patient care practices (Harrison et al., 2021).
Together, these theories provide a strong framework for promoting patient-centered care, improving sleep outcomes, and supporting sustainable behavioral changes in adults with mild insomnia.
References
Harrison, R., Fischer, S., Walpola, R. L., Chauhan, A., Babalola, T., Mears, S., & Le-Dao, H. (2021). Where Do Models for Change Management, Improvement and Implementation Meet? A Systematic Review of the Applications of Change Management Models in Healthcare.
_Journal of healthcare leadership_,
_13_, 85–108. https://doi.org/10.2147/JHL.S289176
Tanaka, M. (2022, May). Orem's nursing self‐care deficit theory: A theoretical analysis focusing on its philosophical and sociological foundation. In
_Nursing forum_ (Vol. 57, No. 3, pp. 480-485).
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is the integration of the best available current evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide healthcare decisions and improve patient outcomes. EBP allows healthcare providers to implement interventions supported by scientific research rather than relying solely on tradition or personal experience. In advanced nursing practice, EBP is essential because it promotes high-quality, safe, cost-effective, and patient-centered care while improving healthcare outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2023). APRNs play a critical role in identifying clinical problems, evaluating research findings, implementing evidence-based interventions, and assessing outcomes to improve healthcare delivery.
Through my literature review, I have discovered strong evidence supporting non-pharmacological interventions as first-line treatments for mild insomnia. Research consistently demonstrates that sleep hygiene education and behavioral interventions improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms without the risks associated with long-term pharmacologic therapy. Studies emphasize strategies such as maintaining consistent sleep schedules, reducing caffeine intake, minimizing screen exposure before bedtime, and optimizing the sleep environment as effective approaches to improving sleep outcomes (Morin et al., 2023). Additionally, literature indicates that patient education interventions are low-cost, practical, and easily implemented in outpatient and primary care settings, making them highly feasible for my capstone project. Sleep disturbances are also associated with increased risks of chronic disease, anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life, highlighting the importance of addressing insomnia early through evidence-based interventions (Lim et al., 2023).
APRNs are heavily involved in EBP within my capstone project because they serve as leaders in implementing and sustaining practice changes. In my project, APRNs will assess patients with mild insomnia, educate them on sleep hygiene practices using evidence-based handouts, and monitor progress over the 8-week period. They will also evaluate patient outcomes by assessing improvements in sleep quality and adjusting interventions when necessary. Furthermore, APRNs advocate for integrating non-pharmacologic insomnia management into routine outpatient care, supporting safer and more sustainable treatment approaches. By applying EBP principles, APRNs can improve patient self-management, reduce unnecessary medication dependence, and enhance long-term health outcomes.
**References**
Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023).
_Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice_ (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
The Lancet Public Health Lim, D. C., Najafi, A., Afifi, L., Bassetti, C. L., Buysse, D. J., Han, F., et al. (2023). The need to promote sleep health in public health agendas across the globe.
_The Lancet Public Health, 8_(10), e820–e826. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(23)00154-0
Sleep Medicine Morin, C. M., Bei, B., Bjorvatn, B., Poyares, D., Spiegelhalder, K., & Wing, Y. K. (2023). World Sleep Society international sleep medicine guidelines position statement endorsement of behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults.
_Sleep Medicine, 109_, 164–169. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2023.07.004
Bottom of Form
**## ThePICOTquestionselectedforthisdiscussionis.docx**
The PICOT question selected for this discussion is: In adults with mild insomnia (P), does providing a short educational handout on sleep hygiene (I), compared to usual care (C), improve sleep quality (O) within 8 weeks (T)? This question addresses a significant and increasingly recognized public health concern. Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent and have been linked to adverse physical and mental health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and depression (Lim et al., 2023). Despite its impact, sleep health remains underprioritized in many clinical and community settings.
The healthcare problem targeted is the limited integration of non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia in routine care. Many patients with mild insomnia do not receive structured education on sleep hygiene and may instead be managed with pharmacologic therapies, which can lead to dependency, side effects, and increased healthcare costs. Behavioral and educational approaches, such as sleep hygiene instruction, are strongly supported as first-line strategies for improving sleep outcomes (Morin et al., 2023). Therefore, implementing a simple educational handout represents a practical, evidence-based intervention that can be easily integrated into outpatient practice.
The impact of this issue extends beyond individual patients. Poor sleep contributes to decreased quality of life, impaired cognitive performance, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare utilization. At the community level, particularly in areas such as Miami-Dade County, addressing sleep health can improve overall population wellness and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Furthermore, inadequate sleep has been associated with higher risks of chronic disease exacerbation, which may contribute to increased readmissions and long-term healthcare costs (Lim et al., 2023).
The proposed setting is a primary care or outpatient clinic in Miami-Dade, focusing on adults experiencing mild insomnia. An 8-week timeframe allows for adequate implementation of the intervention and evaluation of measurable improvements in sleep quality. This approach supports a cost-effective, patient-centered, and evidence-based strategy that aligns with current clinical recommendations and promotes sustainable improvements in health outcomes.
References
Lim, D. C., Najafi, A., Afifi, L., Bassetti, C. L., Buysse, D. J., Han, F., … & Jackson, C. L. (2023). The need to promote sleep health in public health agendas across the globe. The Lancet Public Health, 8(10), e820-e826.
Morin, C. M., Bei, B., Bjorvatn, B., Poyares, D., Spiegelhalder, K., & Wing, Y. K. (2023). World sleep society international sleep medicine guidelines position statement endorsement of “behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: An American Academy of sleep medicine clinical practice guidelines”. Sleep medicine, 109, 164-169.
Top of Form
For my capstone project, I will use Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory and Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory because both theories support patient education, behavioral modification, and evidence-based nursing practice. My PICOT question focuses on adults with mild insomnia and evaluates whether providing a sleep hygiene educational handout improves sleep quality within 8 weeks. Since the intervention depends on patient participation and behavioral changes, these theories provide an appropriate framework for implementation and evaluation.
Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory is especially relevant to my project because it emphasizes the patient’s ability to engage in self-care activities that promote health and well-being. Patients with mild insomnia can benefit from learning strategies such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, reducing caffeine intake, limiting electronic device use before bedtime, and creating a healthy sleep environment. In my capstone project, I will incorporate Orem’s theory by educating patients about evidence-based sleep hygiene practices and encouraging them to independently apply these behaviors in their daily lives. The nurse’s role will be to provide education, support, and follow-up to reinforce self-care behaviors and monitor improvements in sleep quality (Tanaka, 2022).
Additionally, Lewin’s Change Theory will guide the implementation of the intervention within the outpatient clinical setting. The theory’s three stages—unfreezing, changing, and refreezing—will support both patient and organizational change. During the unfreezing stage, patients and healthcare providers will recognize the importance of non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia management. During the changing stage, the educational handouts will be distributed, and sleep hygiene teaching will be reinforced during visits. Finally, the refreezing stage will focus on maintaining healthy sleep behaviors and integrating sleep hygiene education into routine patient care practices (Harrison et al., 2021).
Together, these theories provide a strong framework for promoting patient-centered care, improving sleep outcomes, and supporting sustainable behavioral changes in adults with mild insomnia.
References
Harrison, R., Fischer, S., Walpola, R. L., Chauhan, A., Babalola, T., Mears, S., & Le-Dao, H. (2021). Where Do Models for Change Management, Improvement and Implementation Meet? A Systematic Review of the Applications of Change Management Models in Healthcare.
_Journal of healthcare leadership_,
_13_, 85–108. https://doi.org/10.2147/JHL.S289176
Tanaka, M. (2022, May). Orem's nursing self‐care deficit theory: A theoretical analysis focusing on its philosophical and sociological foundation. In
_Nursing forum_ (Vol. 57, No. 3, pp. 480-485).
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is the integration of the best available current evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide healthcare decisions and improve patient outcomes. EBP allows healthcare providers to implement interventions supported by scientific research rather than relying solely on tradition or personal experience. In advanced nursing practice, EBP is essential because it promotes high-quality, safe, cost-effective, and patient-centered care while improving healthcare outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2023). APRNs play a critical role in identifying clinical problems, evaluating research findings, implementing evidence-based interventions, and assessing outcomes to improve healthcare delivery.
Through my literature review, I have discovered strong evidence supporting non-pharmacological interventions as first-line treatments for mild insomnia. Research consistently demonstrates that sleep hygiene education and behavioral interventions improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms without the risks associated with long-term pharmacologic therapy. Studies emphasize strategies such as maintaining consistent sleep schedules, reducing caffeine intake, minimizing screen exposure before bedtime, and optimizing the sleep environment as effective approaches to improving sleep outcomes (Morin et al., 2023). Additionally, literature indicates that patient education interventions are low-cost, practical, and easily implemented in outpatient and primary care settings, making them highly feasible for my capstone project. Sleep disturbances are also associated with increased risks of chronic disease, anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life, highlighting the importance of addressing insomnia early through evidence-based interventions (Lim et al., 2023).
APRNs are heavily involved in EBP within my capstone project because they serve as leaders in implementing and sustaining practice changes. In my project, APRNs will assess patients with mild insomnia, educate them on sleep hygiene practices using evidence-based handouts, and monitor progress over the 8-week period. They will also evaluate patient outcomes by assessing improvements in sleep quality and adjusting interventions when necessary. Furthermore, APRNs advocate for integrating non-pharmacologic insomnia management into routine outpatient care, supporting safer and more sustainable treatment approaches. By applying EBP principles, APRNs can improve patient self-management, reduce unnecessary medication dependence, and enhance long-term health outcomes.
**References**
Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023).
_Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice_ (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
The Lancet Public Health Lim, D. C., Najafi, A., Afifi, L., Bassetti, C. L., Buysse, D. J., Han, F., et al. (2023). The need to promote sleep health in public health agendas across the globe.
_The Lancet Public Health, 8_(10), e820–e826. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(23)00154-0
Sleep Medicine Morin, C. M., Bei, B., Bjorvatn, B., Poyares, D., Spiegelhalder, K., & Wing, Y. K. (2023). World Sleep Society international sleep medicine guidelines position statement endorsement of behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults.
_Sleep Medicine, 109_, 164–169. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2023.07.004
Bottom of Form
**## MSNCapstoneProjec1.docx**
MSN Capstone Project-DAX-DL01 Carmen Lazo
Capstone Part I: PICOT Assignment
**CAPSTONE: PART I Due 1/24/2026 by 11:59pm**
**The PICOT will be a health issue identified at work or in the community. Be creative! There are certain topics that have been saturated in healthcare and have been implemented multiple times in this course. Do not** present on the following topics:
Diabetes, CHF, Blood pressure, Infection Control (hand washing, post op infections), Medication compliance programs, Telemedicine/Home programs, Pressure Ulcers, Falls, Nursing Burnout.
1. Title Page (use appropriate title for faculty) EX: Dr. Carmen Lazo, DNP, MSN, APRN-BC, APN
2. Introduction to your proposed problem:
– Significance of the Practice Problem: Discuss the identified Practice Problem.
-Introduce the topic of the paper (Abstract, Introduction). Describe the health problem.
-Using data and statistics, support your claim that your selected issue is a problem. What is the cost (national and local) and budget (if any) for your proposal. What is the cost nationally and locally?
– Include your purpose statement and what specifically you will address in your proposed program. Be sure your proposed outcome is realistic and measurable. Align with the semester hours.
3. PICOT- Should be discussed in detail. This section should include your PICOT question but also should provide thorough descriptions of your population, intervention, comparison intervention, outcome, and timing.
The word PICOT is a mnemonic derived from the elements of a clinical research question – patient, intervention, comparison, outcome, and time. The PICOT process begins with a case scenario, and the question is phrased to elicit an answer. Present the PICOT in
**APA Essay format. do not use bullet points**.
P – Patient/Problem I – Intervention C -Comparison O – Outcome T – Timeframe
4. Describe the vulnerable population and setting.
-Be specific. Discuss the impact of social determinants on health for your selected population.
-What are the risk factors that make this a vulnerable population? Why is change important for this population? What are the current statistics and cost? Use national and local data on your population's setting. Where are they exisiting? Ex. Miami-Dade.
-Use evidence to support the risk factors you have identified.
5. Research should be from scholarly journals of evidence-based interventions that address the
problem. Do not use websites as subtitutes. At least 5 schorlary articles and if applicable schorlarly websites.
-Peer-reviewed research articles not older than five years (all articles must be used in your paper)
6. Proposal
-Propose addressing the selected health problem using an evidence-based intervention in your
literature search to address the problem in the selected population/setting.
-Include a thorough discussion of the specifics of this intervention which include resources necessary, those involved, and feasibility for a nurse in an advanced role.
-Be sure to include a timeline for the intervention proposed.
7. Theoretical Framework/Nursing Theory- This section should include the theoretical framework which supports your project. Describe a theory or model to serve as the foundation for your project. How will this theory be incorparated into your Capstone? Discuss in details.
– Overall, you should be able to introduce the problem and why this is significant to the healthcare system. For example: What impact does it have on the patient, community, cost of care, quality of life, readmissions and so forth.
-Use appropriate APA 7th Ed. format. Write PICOT in ESSAY format.
-Scholarly, peer-reviewed, and research articles cited should be within the last five years.
-This section should be minimum 5 pages long (not including the title and reference page).
-Use proper in-text citations with a properly formatted reference list.
-All papers must be written in the 3rd person.
**Rubric Grading Part I.docx**
**## ThePICOTquestionselectedforthisdiscussionis.docx**
The PICOT question selected for this discussion is: In adults with mild insomnia (P), does providing a short educational handout on sleep hygiene (I), compared to usual care (C), improve sleep quality (O) within 8 weeks (T)? This question addresses a significant and increasingly recognized public health concern. Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent and have been linked to adverse physical and mental health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and depression (Lim et al., 2023). Despite its impact, sleep health remains underprioritized in many clinical and community settings.
The healthcare problem targeted is the limited integration of non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia in routine care. Many patients with mild insomnia do not receive structured education on sleep hygiene and may instead be managed with pharmacologic therapies, which can lead to dependency, side effects, and increased healthcare costs. Behavioral and educational approaches, such as sleep hygiene instruction, are strongly supported as first-line strategies for improving sleep outcomes (Morin et al., 2023). Therefore, implementing a simple educational handout represents a practical, evidence-based intervention that can be easily integrated into outpatient practice.
The impact of this issue extends beyond individual patients. Poor sleep contributes to decreased quality of life, impaired cognitive performance, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare utilization. At the community level, particularly in areas such as Miami-Dade County, addressing sleep health can improve overall population wellness and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Furthermore, inadequate sleep has been associated with higher risks of chronic disease exacerbation, which may contribute to increased readmissions and long-term healthcare costs (Lim et al., 2023).
The proposed setting is a primary care or outpatient clinic in Miami-Dade, focusing on adults experiencing mild insomnia. An 8-week timeframe allows for adequate implementation of the intervention and evaluation of measurable improvements in sleep quality. This approach supports a cost-effective, patient-centered, and evidence-based strategy that aligns with current clinical recommendations and promotes sustainable improvements in health outcomes.
References
Lim, D. C., Najafi, A., Afifi, L., Bassetti, C. L., Buysse, D. J., Han, F., … & Jackson, C. L. (2023). The need to promote sleep health in public health agendas across the globe. The Lancet Public Health, 8(10), e820-e826.
Morin, C. M., Bei, B., Bjorvatn, B., Poyares, D., Spiegelhalder, K., & Wing, Y. K. (2023). World sleep society international sleep medicine guidelines position statement endorsement of “behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: An American Academy of sleep medicine clinical practice guidelines”. Sleep medicine, 109, 164-169.
Top of Form
For my capstone project, I will use Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory and Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory because both theories support patient education, behavioral modification, and evidence-based nursing practice. My PICOT question focuses on adults with mild insomnia and evaluates whether providing a sleep hygiene educational handout improves sleep quality within 8 weeks. Since the intervention depends on patient participation and behavioral changes, these theories provide an appropriate framework for implementation and evaluation.
Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory is especially relevant to my project because it emphasizes the patient’s ability to engage in self-care activities that promote health and well-being. Patients with mild insomnia can benefit from learning strategies such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, reducing caffeine intake, limiting electronic device use before bedtime, and creating a healthy sleep environment. In my capstone project, I will incorporate Orem’s theory by educating patients about evidence-based sleep hygiene practices and encouraging them to independently apply these behaviors in their daily lives. The nurse’s role will be to provide education, support, and follow-up to reinforce self-care behaviors and monitor improvements in sleep quality (Tanaka, 2022).
Additionally, Lewin’s Change Theory will guide the implementation of the intervention within the outpatient clinical setting. The theory’s three stages—unfreezing, changing, and refreezing—will support both patient and organizational change. During the unfreezing stage, patients and healthcare providers will recognize the importance of non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia management. During the changing stage, the educational handouts will be distributed, and sleep hygiene teaching will be reinforced during visits. Finally, the refreezing stage will focus on maintaining healthy sleep behaviors and integrating sleep hygiene education into routine patient care practices (Harrison et al., 2021).
Together, these theories provide a strong framework for promoting patient-centered care, improving sleep outcomes, and supporting sustainable behavioral changes in adults with mild insomnia.
References
Harrison, R., Fischer, S., Walpola, R. L., Chauhan, A., Babalola, T., Mears, S., & Le-Dao, H. (2021). Where Do Models for Change Management, Improvement and Implementation Meet? A Systematic Review of the Applications of Change Management Models in Healthcare.
_Journal of healthcare leadership_,
_13_, 85–108. https://doi.org/10.2147/JHL.S289176
Tanaka, M. (2022, May). Orem's nursing self‐care deficit theory: A theoretical analysis focusing on its philosophical and sociological foundation. In
_Nursing forum_ (Vol. 57, No. 3, pp. 480-485).
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is the integration of the best available current evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide healthcare decisions and improve patient outcomes. EBP allows healthcare providers to implement interventions supported by scientific research rather than relying solely on tradition or personal experience. In advanced nursing practice, EBP is essential because it promotes high-quality, safe, cost-effective, and patient-centered care while improving healthcare outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2023). APRNs play a critical role in identifying clinical problems, evaluating research findings, implementing evidence-based interventions, and assessing outcomes to improve healthcare delivery.
Through my literature review, I have discovered strong evidence supporting non-pharmacological interventions as first-line treatments for mild insomnia. Research consistently demonstrates that sleep hygiene education and behavioral interventions improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms without the risks associated with long-term pharmacologic therapy. Studies emphasize strategies such as maintaining consistent sleep schedules, reducing caffeine intake, minimizing screen exposure before bedtime, and optimizing the sleep environment as effective approaches to improving sleep outcomes (Morin et al., 2023). Additionally, literature indicates that patient education interventions are low-cost, practical, and easily implemented in outpatient and primary care settings, making them highly feasible for my capstone project. Sleep disturbances are also associated with increased risks of chronic disease, anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life, highlighting the importance of addressing insomnia early through evidence-based interventions (Lim et al., 2023).
APRNs are heavily involved in EBP within my capstone project because they serve as leaders in implementing and sustaining practice changes. In my project, APRNs will assess patients with mild insomnia, educate them on sleep hygiene practices using evidence-based handouts, and monitor progress over the 8-week period. They will also evaluate patient outcomes by assessing improvements in sleep quality and adjusting interventions when necessary. Furthermore, APRNs advocate for integrating non-pharmacologic insomnia management into routine outpatient care, supporting safer and more sustainable treatment approaches. By applying EBP principles, APRNs can improve patient self-management, reduce unnecessary medication dependence, and enhance long-term health outcomes.
**References**
Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023).
_Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice_ (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
The Lancet Public Health Lim, D. C., Najafi, A., Afifi, L., Bassetti, C. L., Buysse, D. J., Han, F., et al. (2023). The need to promote sleep health in public health agendas across the globe.
_The Lancet Public Health, 8_(10), e820–e826. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(23)00154-0
Sleep Medicine Morin, C. M., Bei, B., Bjorvatn, B., Poyares, D., Spiegelhalder, K., & Wing, Y. K. (2023). World Sleep Society international sleep medicine guidelines position statement endorsement of behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults.
_Sleep Medicine, 109_, 164–169. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2023.07.004
Bottom of Form
**## MSNCapstoneProjec1.docx**
MSN Capstone Project-DAX-DL01 Carmen Lazo
Capstone Part I: PICOT Assignment
**CAPSTONE: PART I Due 1/24/2026 by 11:59pm**
**The PICOT will be a health issue identified at work or in the community. Be creative! There are certain topics that have been saturated in healthcare and have been implemented multiple times in this course. Do not** present on the following topics:
Diabetes, CHF, Blood pressure, Infection Control (hand washing, post op infections), Medication compliance programs, Telemedicine/Home programs, Pressure Ulcers, Falls, Nursing Burnout.
1. Title Page (use appropriate title for faculty) EX: Dr. Carmen Lazo, DNP, MSN, APRN-BC, APN
2. Introduction to your proposed problem:
– Significance of the Practice Problem: Discuss the identified Practice Problem.
-Introduce the topic of the paper (Abstract, Introduction). Describe the health problem.
-Using data and statistics, support your claim that your selected issue is a problem. What is the cost (national and local) and budget (if any) for your proposal. What is the cost nationally and locally?
– Include your purpose statement and what specifically you will address in your proposed program. Be sure your proposed outcome is realistic and measurable. Align with the semester hours.
3. PICOT- Should be discussed in detail. This section should include your PICOT question but also should provide thorough descriptions of your population, intervention, comparison intervention, outcome, and timing.
The word PICOT is a mnemonic derived from the elements of a clinical research question – patient, intervention, comparison, outcome, and time. The PICOT process begins with a case scenario, and the question is phrased to elicit an answer. Present the PICOT in
**APA Essay format. do not use bullet points**.
P – Patient/Problem I – Intervention C -Comparison O – Outcome T – Timeframe
4. Describe the vulnerable population and setting.
-Be specific. Discuss the impact of social determinants on health for your selected population.
-What are the risk factors that make this a vulnerable population? Why is change important for this population? What are the current statistics and cost? Use national and local data on your population's setting. Where are they exisiting? Ex. Miami-Dade.
-Use evidence to support the risk factors you have identified.
5. Research should be from scholarly journals of evidence-based interventions that address the
problem. Do not use websites as subtitutes. At least 5 schorlary articles and if applicable schorlarly websites.
-Peer-reviewed research articles not older than five years (all articles must be used in your paper)
6. Proposal
-Propose addressing the selected health problem using an evidence-based intervention in your
literature search to address the problem in the selected population/setting.
-Include a thorough discussion of the specifics of this intervention which include resources necessary, those involved, and feasibility for a nurse in an advanced role.
-Be sure to include a timeline for the intervention proposed.
7. Theoretical Framework/Nursing Theory- This section should include the theoretical framework which supports your project. Describe a theory or model to serve as the foundation for your project. How will this theory be incorparated into your Capstone? Discuss in details.
– Overall, you should be able to introduce the problem and why this is significant to the healthcare system. For example: What impact does it have on the patient, community, cost of care, quality of life, readmissions and so forth.
-Use appropriate APA 7th Ed. format. Write PICOT in ESSAY format.
-Scholarly, peer-reviewed, and research articles cited should be within the last five years.
-This section should be minimum 5 pages long (not including the title and reference page).
-Use proper in-text citations with a properly formatted reference list.
-All papers must be written in the 3rd person.
**Rubric Grading Part I.docx**
**## ThePICOTquestionselectedforthisdiscussionis.docx**
The PICOT question selected for this discussion is: In adults with mild insomnia (P), does providing a short educational handout on sleep hygiene (I), compared to usual care (C), improve sleep quality (O) within 8 weeks (T)? This question addresses a significant and increasingly recognized public health concern. Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent and have been linked to adverse physical and mental health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and depression (Lim et al., 2023). Despite its impact, sleep health remains underprioritized in many clinical and community settings.
The healthcare problem targeted is the limited integration of non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia in routine care. Many patients with mild insomnia do not receive structured education on sleep hygiene and may instead be managed with pharmacologic therapies, which can lead to dependency, side effects, and increased healthcare costs. Behavioral and educational approaches, such as sleep hygiene instruction, are strongly supported as first-line strategies for improving sleep outcomes (Morin et al., 2023). Therefore, implementing a simple educational handout represents a practical, evidence-based intervention that can be easily integrated into outpatient practice.
The impact of this issue extends beyond individual patients. Poor sleep contributes to decreased quality of life, impaired cognitive performance, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare utilization. At the community level, particularly in areas such as Miami-Dade County, addressing sleep health can improve overall population wellness and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Furthermore, inadequate sleep has been associated with higher risks of chronic disease exacerbation, which may contribute to increased readmissions and long-term healthcare costs (Lim et al., 2023).
The proposed setting is a primary care or outpatient clinic in Miami-Dade, focusing on adults experiencing mild insomnia. An 8-week timeframe allows for adequate implementation of the intervention and evaluation of measurable improvements in sleep quality. This approach supports a cost-effective, patient-centered, and evidence-based strategy that aligns with current clinical recommendations and promotes sustainable improvements in health outcomes.
References
Lim, D. C., Najafi, A., Afifi, L., Bassetti, C. L., Buysse, D. J., Han, F., … & Jackson, C. L. (2023). The need to promote sleep health in public health agendas across the globe. The Lancet Public Health, 8(10), e820-e826.
Morin, C. M., Bei, B., Bjorvatn, B., Poyares, D., Spiegelhalder, K., & Wing, Y. K. (2023). World sleep society international sleep medicine guidelines position statement endorsement of “behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: An American Academy of sleep medicine clinical practice guidelines”. Sleep medicine, 109, 164-169.
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For my capstone project, I will use Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory and Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory because both theories support patient education, behavioral modification, and evidence-based nursing practice. My PICOT question focuses on adults with mild insomnia and evaluates whether providing a sleep hygiene educational handout improves sleep quality within 8 weeks. Since the intervention depends on patient participation and behavioral changes, these theories provide an appropriate framework for implementation and evaluation.
Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory is especially relevant to my project because it emphasizes the patient’s ability to engage in self-care activities that promote health and well-being. Patients with mild insomnia can benefit from learning strategies such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, reducing caffeine intake, limiting electronic device use before bedtime, and creating a healthy sleep environment. In my capstone project, I will incorporate Orem’s theory by educating patients about evidence-based sleep hygiene practices and encouraging them to independently apply these behaviors in their daily lives. The nurse’s role will be to provide education, support, and follow-up to reinforce self-care behaviors and monitor improvements in sleep quality (Tanaka, 2022).
Additionally, Lewin’s Change Theory will guide the implementation of the intervention within the outpatient clinical setting. The theory’s three stages—unfreezing, changing, and refreezing—will support both patient and organizational change. During the unfreezing stage, patients and healthcare providers will recognize the importance of non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia management. During the changing stage, the educational handouts will be distributed, and sleep hygiene teaching will be reinforced during visits. Finally, the refreezing stage will focus on maintaining healthy sleep behaviors and integrating sleep hygiene education into routine patient care practices (Harrison et al., 2021).
Together, these theories provide a strong framework for promoting patient-centered care, improving sleep outcomes, and supporting sustainable behavioral changes in adults with mild insomnia.
References
Harrison, R., Fischer, S., Walpola, R. L., Chauhan, A., Babalola, T., Mears, S., & Le-Dao, H. (2021). Where Do Models for Change Management, Improvement and Implementation Meet? A Systematic Review of the Applications of Change Management Models in Healthcare.
_Journal of healthcare leadership_,
_13_, 85–108. https://doi.org/10.2147/JHL.S289176
Tanaka, M. (2022, May). Orem's nursing self‐care deficit theory: A theoretical analysis focusing on its philosophical and sociological foundation. In
_Nursing forum_ (Vol. 57, No. 3, pp. 480-485).
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is the integration of the best available current evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide healthcare decisions and improve patient outcomes. EBP allows healthcare providers to implement interventions supported by scientific research rather than relying solely on tradition or personal experience. In advanced nursing practice, EBP is essential because it promotes high-quality, safe, cost-effective, and patient-centered care while improving healthcare outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2023). APRNs play a critical role in identifying clinical problems, evaluating research findings, implementing evidence-based interventions, and assessing outcomes to improve healthcare delivery.
Through my literature review, I have discovered strong evidence supporting non-pharmacological interventions as first-line treatments for mild insomnia. Research consistently demonstrates that sleep hygiene education and behavioral interventions improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms without the risks associated with long-term pharmacologic therapy. Studies emphasize strategies such as maintaining consistent sleep schedules, reducing caffeine intake, minimizing screen exposure before bedtime, and optimizing the sleep environment as effective approaches to improving sleep outcomes (Morin et al., 2023). Additionally, literature indicates that patient education interventions are low-cost, practical, and easily implemented in outpatient and primary care settings, making them highly feasible for my capstone project. Sleep disturbances are also associated with increased risks of chronic disease, anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life, highlighting the importance of addressing insomnia early through evidence-based interventions (Lim et al., 2023).
APRNs are heavily involved in EBP within my capstone project because they serve as leaders in implementing and sustaining practice changes. In my project, APRNs will assess patients with mild insomnia, educate them on sleep hygiene practices using evidence-based handouts, and monitor progress over the 8-week period. They will also evaluate patient outcomes by assessing improvements in sleep quality and adjusting interventions when necessary. Furthermore, APRNs advocate for integrating non-pharmacologic insomnia management into routine outpatient care, supporting safer and more sustainable treatment approaches. By applying EBP principles, APRNs can improve patient self-management, reduce unnecessary medication dependence, and enhance long-term health outcomes.
**References**
Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023).
_Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice_ (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
The Lancet Public Health Lim, D. C., Najafi, A., Afifi, L., Bassetti, C. L., Buysse, D. J., Han, F., et al. (2023). The need to promote sleep health in public health agendas across the globe.
_The Lancet Public Health, 8_(10), e820–e826. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(23)00154-0
Sleep Medicine Morin, C. M., Bei, B., Bjorvatn, B., Poyares, D., Spiegelhalder, K., & Wing, Y. K. (2023). World Sleep Society international sleep medicine guidelines position statement endorsement of behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults.
_Sleep Medicine, 109_, 164–169. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2023.07.004
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