Your topic needs to be substantive; enough baseline information or evidence is available for a literature review or other project design. Checking multiple databases will help determine this. You may find yourself revising your topic when you start seeing what is and is not out there in the literature. Use the 'Articles' Tab in this guide or the following resources to find baseline information:
The project may take the form of a critical review of the literature, research study, quality improvement project, education of patients, professionals, or the community, development of a community service program, or professional advocacy. Some projects may require writing a project protocol, which is a document describing what you are going to do, for example if your project involves research (including surveys) and quality improvement. These may be needed for IRB review (see guidance in Canvas course site), they are useful to guide your project while it is being conducted, and can be used in writing the project paper.
See the 'Articles' Tab on this guide to begin to search for references independently. You may find yourself revising your topic when you start seeing what is and is not out there in the literature. Research is an iterative process. Your final search strategy will usually be different the than your first one.
Both the topic and purpose of the project must be clear and specific. It should be focused on a target audience, which will be reflected in the selected type or design of the project. In one statement (maybe 2) it should describe what is going to be done, who will carry it out and/or the subjects of the project, and the expected outcome. Refer to SMART objectives & PICO.
Once a topic and project design is selected and an objective has been drafted, the student should apply the FINER and/or SMART criteria (See Canvas). The student should be able to explain and defend how the project meets these criteria.
Students should select and invite a professional to work with in development and/or implementation of the capstone project. They will need to provide name and contact information for this individual. The collaborator’s roles and responsibilities with regard to the project must be defined. Students will work with collaborators and faculty mentors to receive constructive feedback and ensure timely progress on project.
