mph capstone guide

8/2/2019 MPH Capstone Guide

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MPH Program

Capstone Project Guide

School of Community & Environmental HealthMaster of Public Health Programs4608 Hampton Blvd. – Room 3134

Norfolk, VA 23529

hs.odu.edu /commhealth

http://www.hs.odu.edu/

http://www.hs.odu.edu/



Capstone Project Guide

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3

Capstone Project Length, Credits, and Grades ............................................................................ 3

Step 1 Topic Selection for Capstone Project ................................................................................ 3

Step 2 Capstone Committee Selection ......................................................................................... 4

Step 3 Submitting Capstone Project Proposal for Approval ......................................................... 6

Step 4 Submitting Final Capstone Research Project Research Paper ........................................ 6

Step 5 Progress Reports of Meetings ........................................................................................... 7

Step 6 Capstone Project Final Presentation ................................................................................. 7

Step 7 Capstone Project Paper Submission ................................................................................. 8

Step 8 Evaluation at Mid-point and End of the Capstone Project ................................................ 8

Contacts for Capstone Project........................................................................................................ 8

Forms ............................................................................................................................................. 9

MPH Capstone Project Guide 09/09/09 2



Capstone Project GuideMPH Program

Introduction

The capstone project is a culminating project in the MPH program that requires students todemonstrate the application and mastery of the program competencies. The project provides areal-world experience for students in community work using the knowledge and skills obtainedin the MPH program. A culminating experience is a required component in the MPH programsby the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the accrediting agency for the programsof public health.

The students work collaboratively with community organizations or agencies and Old DominionUniversity during the practical experience. The supervised capstone project provides anopportunity for students to work closely with different community members. The project alsoprovides a leadership experience in public health settings and exposure to organizations in the

region.

Capstone Project Length, Credits, and Grades

The capstone project (3 credit hours) may begin after completion of the MPH core courses andduring the last semesters of the specialty track core courses. Students usually begin the projectduring one semester and finish the project during the next semester.

Students are required to enroll in MPHO 689, Capstone Project, for the first semester. Theearned grade is recorded as pass (P) or fail (F) in the final semester after completion of thecapstone project.

Milestone Tasks Semester

Capstone project proposal and capstone projectproposal form submitted

Early first semester

Project work First and second semester

Capstone project paper submitted to committeeNo later than one month prior to end of semester

Oral presentationNo later than three weeks prior to end of semester

Final capstone project paper submitted tocommittee and MPH office after revisions

No later than 2 weeks prior to the end of semester

Step 1. Topic Selection for Capstone Project

In the beginning of the capstone project, students identify their topic selection for the practicalfield experience. Students are encouraged to begin thinking of topics for the capstone project




early in their program. Students learn about different health promotion programs and activitiesoffered in the community through different courses in the curriculum, guest speakers, researchof faculty members, and student volunteer work. The topics may be based on their areas of interest in health.

Students may also link the capstone project with the internship, their employment work, or prior

work in a course that can be expanded for a final capstone project.• If the project is part of the internship, students may discuss the opportunities for

additional work with the internship site and the MPH program advisor.

• If the project is part of employment work, additional hours to work on a special workrelated projects are possible.

• From prior course work, students may expand the course paper with additionalinformation and references.

Opportunities for capstone projects are available in different settings for healthcareorganizations, non-profit organizations, state agencies, local government agencies, andcommunity coalitions. Students may have an interest to work with minority health agencies inour region for a focus on minority health. There may also be an interest to work on a capstoneproject outside the region. In this case, students are required to discuss this opportunity with theMPH program director.

The project is not necessarily a research project. The project may include:

• new health trends using technology

• worksite wellness

• use or design of Web sites for health promotion

• access to care for vulnerable population

• development of a policy position paper

• program implementation

• program design for an organization or agency

• needs assessment for community• supporting other researchers in program development, implementation, or evaluation

Step 2. Capstone Committee Selection

The capstone committee members include the student, preceptor, MPH program advisor, andMPH program director. Students identify a health topic for the capstone project collaborativelywith the committee members.

• The preceptor works with the student on a regular basis to develop, implement,and complete the capstone project.

• The MPH program advisor is involved in guiding the student for site selection,progress in the program, and completion of the MPH program. The MPH programadvisor also serves as the liaison to the program, students, and organizations.

• The MPH program director may advise students during the culminatingexperiences in the program.

Preceptor Selection

Students identify a preceptor to work in close collaboration during the capstone project.Qualifications for preceptors may include skilled practitioners with:




• solid experience in a related discipline

• experience as a supervisor or mentor

• time commitment dedicated to helping student

• skills in providing guidance for students during the project

•

current experience in specific community health issues or programs

Students and preceptors meet regularly to discuss progress, problems, and time lines for completion. The MPH program director may send the preceptor an introductory letter andCapstone Project Guide with comprehensive information for the student’s completion of thecapstone project. Preceptors provide assistance throughout the field experience and helpstudents build skills based on the program competencies. Preceptors also help guide studentsto determine measurable program objectives for their project.

Roles and Responsibilities of Students, Preceptor, MPH Advisor, and MPH Director

Expectations of students include:

•

Identify preceptor to work with student during the capstone project• Identify agencies or organizations as potential sites

• Develop proposal following guidelines with preceptor

• Develop timeline for completion of capstone project with preceptor and MPH programadvisor

• Develop project using a theoretical framework (if applicable)

• Meet regularly with preceptor

• Submit progress reports after meetings to MPH program advisor

• Identify research guidelines involving protection of human subjects and the InstitutionalReview Board procedures (if applicable)*

• Submit proposal form and proposal to the committee (preceptor, MPH program advisor,and MPH program director for approval)

• Submit mid-point program student evaluation• Complete a final capstone project paper following guidelines

• Submit project paper to committee for review

• Coordinate a time for capstone project presentation for committee

• Present the project to the committee and other students using a PowerPointpresentation

• Complete and submit a final capstone project paper based on recommendations of revisions by the committee

* Most projects may not require the submission of an IRB packet. If your project involves humansubjects, follow the guidelines for submitting an IRB packet for the IRB process.

Expectations of the preceptor include:

• Guide the student through the process of completing the project

• Help to build student’s skills necessary for the completion of the capstone project

• Introduce student to organization’s department and community members if applicable

• Meet regularly with student (may include email or telephone meetings)

• Submit a mid-point student evaluation to MPH program advisor

• Assist students in the preparation of the final paper and presentation




• Evaluate the progress of student in the middle and end of the project

• Evaluate student’s oral presentation at the end of the capstone projectExpectations of the MPH program advisor include:

• Provide guidance during the proposal planning stages

• Evaluate the progress of students during the capstone project

•

Evaluate student’s oral presentation at the end of the capstone project

Expectations of the MPH program director include:

• Send introductory letter and Capstone Project Guide to preceptor

• Provide final approval for the capstone project completion

• Evaluate student’s oral presentation at the end of the capstone project

Step 3. Submitting Capstone Project Proposal for Approval

After identifying the preceptor and topic, students submit a proposal form and proposal to their committee. Students submit the original form with signatures to the MPH Office. Students andpreceptors keep a copy of the form for their files.

APA format is required for the proposal document (see www.apastyle.com). The description of the proposed plan is written using future tense. The proposal format includes the scope of workas described below.

• cover sheet with your name, date, MPH Program, and capstone project paper title (page 1)

• brief description of the agency or organization (1/2 page)

• identification of the preceptor as supervisor (1/2 page)

• goal and objectives for the capstone project* (1/2 page)

• summary of research design with materials or methods (1/2 page)

• summary of anticipated outcomes as a result of your project and public healthrelevance (1/2 page)

• timeline for capstone project completion (1/2 page – description using bullets,tables, or Excel spreadsheet)

• summary of how the MPH competencies will be aligned with the capstone project(1/2 page)

*Guidelines for writing goals and objectives are important in the proposal. Goals are generalstatements for the desired program outcomes. Goals are written using verbs such as toincrease, improve, decrease, or develop. For example, a goal may be “to increase theawareness of breast cancer for minority women in health ministries in 2008”. Writing objectivesmay include measurable and realistic objectives. For example, an objective may be “to analyzecommunity programs ...”

Students also align the capstone project with the program and specialty track competenciesduring the project planning. The worksheet under Forms – page 9 serves as a guide for thesummary of skills building.

Step 4. Submitting Final Capstone Research Project Research Paper

The APA format for the final project research paper includes:




Title Page (name, title name of sponsoring organization, and date)

1. Introduction

• Description of the health issue with relevant data

• Purpose for the study2. Background

• Literature Review of previous studies addressing the health issue3. Project Design

• Methods, materials, design, setting, etc.

• Theoretical framework

• Sample population or approach to be used

• Outcome measures4. Data Analysis and Interpretation5. Conclusions

• What future studies or efforts are suggested

• How does the new knowledge contribute to public health6. References (examples are peer reviewed journals and Web sites)

Step 5. Progress Reports of Meetings

Students are required to submit progress reports to the MPH program advisor after eachmeeting with the preceptors. The communication of progress is important for assessment of thestudent’s work to finish the capstone project within the estimated timeline.

If there is a barrier for completion of the project, preceptors may use this form to report anydelays to the MPH program advisor. Students will be able to discuss the concerns by thepreceptors with the MPH program advisor. Solutions are reviewed and adopted for the studentsto complete the capstone project.

Step 6. Capstone Project Final Presentation

Students are required to give an oral presentation at the end of the capstone project. Studentssubmit their PowerPoint presentation (maximum 12 slides) to their preceptor for review prior todelivery of the oral presentation. The 15-minute presentation is followed by a short 10-minutequestion and answer period.

The format for the presentation follows the format of the capstone project paper. For example, aresearch project paper presentation follows the outline of the requirements for writing researcharticles. At the end of the presentation, students summarize how the MPH competencies werealigned with the capstone project.

The MPH program advisor and MPH program director attend the oral presentation and evaluatethe presentation. The preceptor is highly encouraged to attend and evaluate the presentation.

Students are required to coordinate:

• room, time, and location for the oral presentation with the preceptor and other committee members

• availability of AV equipment

• handouts for the committee and guests

• copies of the presentation evaluation form for the committee members




Students adhere to typical business attire at the oral presentation.

Step 7. Capstone Project Paper Submission

After the oral presentation, students submit the revised capstone project paper for approval

based on the recommendations by the committee during the presentation. The paper issubmitted no later than two weeks prior to the end of the semester. Grading of the finalcapstone project paper is submitted as pass (P) or fail (F).

Students are encouraged to submit their project papers for publication and present the researchat regional or national conferences. They work on the manuscript submission and poster abstract submission with their preceptors.

Appreciation Letter

Students are required to send the preceptor an appreciation letter at the end of the capstoneproject. A sample letter is located under Forms – page 9. They may outline their opportunity for

skills building during the capstone project and the valuable mentoring received from thepreceptor.

Step 8. Evaluation at Mid-point and End of the Capstone Project

Mid-point and final evaluations are scheduled during the culminating project. Feedback fromstudents and preceptors is valuable for updating and maintaining a successful capstoneexperience.

• Mid-point student and preceptor evaluations are required to assess the progress,obstacles, and areas for improving communication between Old Dominion University,students, and preceptors.

• Final student and preceptor evaluations provide feedback concerning the site,

field experiences, or suggestions for improvements.

Now students are ready for graduation!

Contact for Capstone Project

Jim English, MSc., REHSC&EH Department Chair / MPH Program Director

[email protected]


mailto:[email protected]




School of Community & Environmental HealthMPH Program

Old Dominion University

To:

From: James English, Department Chair / MPH Program Director Date:RE: Preceptorship for Capstone Project

We are very pleased that you will serve as a capstone project preceptor for our student in theMaster of Public Health (MPH) Program at Old Dominion University. We look forward to workingwith you for a rewarding capstone project experience. The MPH program covers coursework infive disciplines of epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, public health administration,biostatistics, and environmental health. The additional courses include specialty track coursesfor health promotion and education or environmental health, an internship, and a culminatingcapstone project.

The Capstone Project Guide outlines the expectations of the student, preceptor, MPH programadvisor, and MPH program director. For example, the roles of the preceptor outlined in theguide include:

• Guide the student through the process of formulating a project topic

• Help to build student’s skills necessary for the completion of the capstone project

• Introduce student to organization’s department and community members if applicable

• Meet regularly with student (may include email or telephone meetings)

• Submit a mid-point student evaluation to MPH program advisor

• Assist students in the preparation of the final paper and presentation

• Evaluate the progress of student in the middle and end of the project

• Participate at the student’s oral presentation at the end of the capstone project

The completion of the capstone project milestones are listed below.

Milestone Tasks Semester

Capstone project proposal and capstone projectproposal form submitted

Early first semester

Project work First and second semester

Capstone project paper submitted to committee No later than one month prior to end of semester

Oral presentationNo later than three weeks prior to end of semester

Final capstone project paper submitted tocommittee and department after revisions

No later than two weeks prior to end of semester

If you have any questions during the capstone project, please contact Professor James English, [email protected].







ODU MPH ProgramCapstone Proposal Form

Directions: Complete all fields and submit form with original signatures to MPH Program

Advisor. Students keep a copy of this form in their personal files.

Student: Student email/phone:

Faculty Advisor: Faculty advisor email and phone:

Agency/Address (street, city, state, zip):

Preceptor: Preceptor email and phone:

Project Title: (attach project proposal based on description in this guide)

Project Start Date: Project End Date:

_____________________________________ Student Signature

_____________________________________ Date

_____________________________________ Preceptor Signature

_____________________________________ Date

_____________________________________ MPH Program Advisor Signature

_____________________________________ Date

_____________________________________ MPH Program Director Signature

_____________________________________ Date




MPH Program Core Competencies and Specialty Track Competencies

ODU MPH Program Core CompetenciesHow Capstone Project

Contributes to Skills Building

1. Utilize analytical skills necessary to acquire, interpret, and applydata using statistical methods for addressing population basedhealth issues

2. Apply epidemiological methods to public health problems for

identifying and employing appropriate interventions to targetpopulations

3. Apply appropriate theories and models including social andbehavioral determinants and an ecological perspective for solutions to health issues

4. Analyze health problems and hazards associated with chemical,physical, biological, and social factors affecting environmental

health

5. Apply effective communication approaches using public healthprinciples across different sectors of health professionals and laypeople

6. Employ high ethical principles for professional practice andresearch activities

7. Assess factors for culturally relevant interventions for diversecommunity-based settings with practice and research

8. Employ leadership skills using effective management approachesfor collaborative partnerships in public health

ODU ENVH Specialty Track Competencies How Capstone Project Contributes to Skills Building

1. Assess environmental sampling, measurement methods, and

interpretation of data for work environments

2. Analyze sources of man-made or natural chemicals affecting

environmental or human health

3. Utilize theoretical frameworks for practical applications of environmental health principles

4. Utilize research skills for the development and design of research

projects

5. Analyze scientific literature for solutions to environmental healthproblems

6. Assess standards, laws, and regulations to ensure the protection

of humans and environments and reduction to exposures




ODU HPRO Specialty Track Competencies How Capstone Project Contributes to Skills Building

1. Analyze appropriate methods for planning, implementation, andevaluation of health education programs using theories or models

2. Analyze needs assessment for individuals or communities atmultiple levels including intrapersonal, interpersonal, community,organizational, and policy levels

3. Assess research results and interpretation for program evaluation

4. Apply effective health communication strategies for programmethods and materials

5. Utilize health policy planning and health advocacy skills for improvements of health interventions

6. Analyze social and cultural factors during planning,implementation, and evaluation of heath programs for diverse

populations




Student/Preceptor Meeting Progress ReportODU MPH Program

Directions: Students submit report after each formal meeting with preceptor (this does not

include email correspondence). Complete all fields and submit form electronically to the MPHprogram advisor.

Meeting Date:

Student: Student email and phone:

Faculty Advisor: Faculty advisor email and phone:

Agency/Address (street, city, state, zip): Agency phone:

Preceptor: Preceptor email and phone:

Project Title:

Project Start Date: Project End Date:

Discussion:(what is working well as progress and what are some barriers – anticipated or unanticipated?)

Any changes:(revised time line if needed)




Sample of Student Thank You Letter Date

Preceptor Organization/Agency

AddressCity, State, and Zip

Dear :

You provided an excellent opportunity during my capstone project at ______________ as partof my graduate work experience. Thank you for your time, mentoring, and support. It was avaluable experience as I prepare to graduate from the Master of Public Health program with aHealth Promotion and Education Specialty Track.

Each step of the project was successful with your guidance and expertise. We were able tocomplete the project with timely submissions of reports and final paper. Preparation for my oralpresentation included your assistance in reviewing the PowerPoint presentation and providingfeedback.

Thank you again for participating as my preceptor in the MPH program. In the future, I maysubmit the project as a research poster presentation for a conference or submit a manuscript for publication. I am very pleased that we contributed to the knowledge base in public health withthe completion of this project.

Sincerely,

Your Name AddressCity, State, and Zip

cc: James English, MPH Program Director




Capstone Oral Presentation Evaluation FormBy Preceptor, MPH Advisor, & MPH Director

ODU MPH Program

Directions:

1. Students distribute their capstone project paper to committee members prior to thepresentation.

2. On the day of the presentation, students provide handouts of the presentation andevaluation forms for the committee members.

3. The MPH program advisor collects the evaluation forms after the presentation for the MPHOffice record files.

Student’s Name:

Date:

Capstone Project Title:

Evaluator and Role: (Preceptor, MPH Advisor, MPH Director)

Directions: Select the category that applies to theevaluation of the student’s oral presentation

Inadequate Acceptable Proficient Outstanding

1. Content Organization: presentation included formatlisted in preceptor guide to include background,methods, and materials □ □ □ □

2. Delivery: presenter was poised and spoke clearly withno slang □ □ □ □

3. Visuals: presenter prepared appropriate PowerPointvisuals to support presentation □ □ □ □

4. Content: presenter covered project with a knowledgeof material □ □ □ □

5. Results: presenter discussed recommendations,limitations, and conclusions clearly; presenter explained how the project adds to the knowledge basefor public health

□ □ □ □

6. Responsiveness: presenter responded to the

comments or questions posed by the audience □ □ □ □

7. Personal Appearance: presenter followed guidelinesfor wearing business attire □ □ □ □

8. Objectives Met: presenter met the goal and objectivesof the capstone project □ □ □ □

Student has met the requirements for the capstone project □ Yes □ No




Student Self-Evaluation of Capstone ProjectODU MPH Program

Student: □ Mid-Point Evaluation or

□ Final EvaluationDate:

Preceptor and Agency:

Stronglydisagree

Disagree AgreeStrongly

agree

1. The capstone project is well organized by theuniversity.

□ □ □ □

2. The preceptor is available when I havequestions.

□ □ □ □

3. The preceptor is providing sufficientsupervision for my work.

□ □ □ □

4. The preceptor is providing timelycommunication as I worked on my project.

□ □ □ □

5. The preceptor encourages me to applyknowledge and skills from the coursework.

□ □ □ □

6. Positive experiences about the capstone, the organization, or the preceptor.

7. Suggestions for improving the capstone project.

8. Areas you needed more coursework in preparation for this capstone project.




Preceptor Evaluation of Student during Capstone ProjectODU MPH Program

Student: □ Mid-Point Evaluation or

□ Final EvaluationDate:

Preceptor and Agency:

Stronglydisagree Disagree Agree

Stronglyagree

1. The student works well with staff.

□ □ □ □

2. The student is responsible to completesegments of the capstone project on time.

□ □ □ □

3. The student maintains a high level of professionalism. □ □ □ □

4. The student takes initiative to identifyinformation for the capstone project to be well-prepared.

□ □ □ □

5. The student accepts feedback to followinstructions and directions.

□ □ □ □

6. Strengths and weaknesses of student during capstone project.

7. Suggestions for improving the capstone project to overcome any difficulties or better meetyour organization’s needs.

8. Description of how the capstone project was rewarding for you.

9. Other comments.


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