How to Write the Intervention Stage in Your DNP Project

The intervention stage is the heart of your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project. This section explains what you did to address the clinical problem and how you implemented the evidence-based change. Writing it clearly and thoroughly is essential to demonstrate your project’s impact and rigor.

What to Include in the Intervention Stage

When writing the intervention stage, focus on these key elements:

1. Describe the Intervention

Clearly explain the specific action, program, policy, or process change you introduced.
Include details such as content, tools, protocols, or educational materials used.
Mention if it’s a new initiative or an adaptation of an existing practice.

Example:
“We implemented a standardized hourly rounding protocol that requires nurses to check on patients every hour to assess pain, positioning, toileting needs, and safety.”

2. Specify the Setting and Participants

Describe where the intervention took place (e.g., ICU, outpatient clinic).
Include participant details such as number, roles (nurses, patients), and selection criteria.

Example:
“The intervention was conducted in the 30-bed medical-surgical unit, involving 20 registered nurses and 100 adult patients admitted during the study period.”

3. Explain the Implementation Process

Detail how you introduced the intervention (training sessions, workshops, reminders).
Note the timeline, frequency, and any tools or technology used.
Describe any support or collaboration with staff or leadership.

Example:
“Nurses received two 1-hour training sessions on the rounding protocol. Visual reminders were posted in staff areas, and compliance was monitored through weekly audits.”

4. Address Barriers and Facilitators

Discuss challenges encountered during implementation and how you addressed them.
Note factors that helped the intervention succeed, such as staff engagement or leadership support.

Example:
“Initial resistance was addressed through one-on-one coaching, and leadership provided incentives to encourage participation.”

5. Connect to Your SMART Goals

Reiterate how the intervention aligns with your SMART goals for clear measurement.

Example:
“The goal was to increase rounding compliance from 50% to 85% within 8 weeks. Weekly audits tracked compliance rates.”

Tips for Writing the Intervention Stage

Use clear, concise language focused on actions and process.
Avoid excessive jargon; make it understandable for readers unfamiliar with your setting.
Include data collection methods briefly here if tied directly to the intervention (detailed methods go in the Methodology section).
Use past tense since the intervention has already occurred.

Sample Intervention Stage Paragraph

The intervention consisted of implementing a nurse-led hourly rounding protocol designed to improve patient safety and satisfaction on the medical-surgical unit. Twenty registered nurses participated in two training workshops that outlined the steps for hourly rounding, including pain assessment, toileting assistance, and safety checks. Visual reminders were strategically placed throughout the unit to reinforce the protocol. Compliance was monitored weekly using observational audits. Challenges such as initial staff skepticism were mitigated through individualized coaching and leadership support, including recognition incentives. This intervention aimed to increase rounding compliance from a baseline of 50% to 85% within eight weeks.

Final Thought

The intervention stage should give your readers a clear, detailed picture of what you did and how you did it. A well-written intervention section demonstrates your project’s practicality and sets the stage for analyzing its effectiveness.