Introduction
Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses by providing relief from symptoms, pain, and stress. A patient-centered model of palliative care emphasizes the preferences and values of the patient, ensuring that care is tailored to individual needs. A DNP capstone project that focuses on creating and implementing such a model in long-term care facilities can enhance the quality of care for elderly or chronically ill patients.

The Need for Palliative Care in Long-Term Care Facilities
Many patients in long-term care facilities suffer from chronic conditions or end-of-life illnesses that require specialized care. Palliative care can help manage symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue, providing comfort and dignity to patients during their final stages of life. Unfortunately, palliative care is often underutilized in these settings, leading to unnecessary suffering and lower quality of life.

Developing a Patient-Centered Model for Palliative Care
A DNP project can focus on designing a model of palliative care that is specifically tailored to the needs of long-term care residents. This model would involve creating individualized care plans that prioritize patient preferences regarding pain management, family involvement, spiritual care, and end-of-life decisions. Training staff to deliver compassionate, holistic care is also a key aspect of this project.

Implementation and Evaluation
The DNP project can involve implementing the palliative care model within a long-term care facility and assessing its effectiveness. Patient satisfaction, symptom management, and caregiver burden can be used to evaluate the success of the program. Additionally, healthcare costs and hospital readmissions can be tracked to measure the impact of palliative care on healthcare outcomes.

Conclusion
Creating and implementing a patient-centered model for palliative care in long-term care facilities is essential for improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. A DNP capstone project focused on this issue can lead to better care, enhanced patient comfort, and reduced healthcare costs.