Posted: May 1st, 2025

DDHA – 9000 Healthcare Administration Doctoral Project

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DHA Integrative Review Project Prospectus Form
(For Students that started the DHA program in Fall 2021 or after)
Students | Complete your DHA project planning using this form. To be approved, this form must be completed exactly as instructed in the
appendix. For additional information and resources, refer to the DHA Project Completion page. There are your committee must approve five
sections on the form to complete that. The six sections include:
1. Research Problem
2. Purpose and Review Question
3. Framework
4. Significance
5. Research Alignment Table
6. Appendix (The appendix provides examples and instructions on how to complete this form)
Submit this completed form to MyDR for formal evaluation and feedback when your project mentor indicates that you are ready to do so.
Student’s Name | Student
Program | DHA Submission Date | 7/3/20247/5/20247/5/2024
*Remember that your study focus must be within the realm of your program and specialization area.
Evaluators Only | Complete this section and provide feedback on responses and rubric scores in the form where noted.
Mentor’s Name Overall Assessment: Choose an item.
Co-Mentor’s Name | Click or tap here to enter text. Overall Assessment: Choose an item.
Working Title
(Click here for instructions and examples)
Provide a concise (aim for 12 words or fewer) working title for this study. (Be sure to include your HSO type and practice-based problem.)
Financial Impact of Post-COVID-19 CMS Reimbursement on Non-Profit Hospitals and Future Planning.
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Section 1: Practice-based Problem
(Click here for instructions and examples)
Healthcare Services Organization (HSO) Type
With no more than 1-2 sentences, identify and describe your selected HSO type.
Hospitals
HSO Problem of Interest
What is the problem of interest of the healthcare services organization (HSO) that prompted you to search the literature to find out more? Write
only 1-2 complete sentences using a scholarly tone.
The problem of interest for the healthcare services organization (HSO) is the financial impact of post-COVID-19 CMS reimbursement on non￾profit hospitals. The purpose of this research is to understand the implications of changes in reimbursement policies on their financial sustainability
and operational strategies in the post-pandemic landscape.
Healthcare Administration Problem
In one sentence, what is your healthcare administration problem? This will be more focused than the problem of interest noted above.
The healthcare administration problem is post-COVID-19 CMS reimbursement changes have impacted the financial sustainability and operational
efficiency of non-profit hospitals and healthcare administrator need to implement different financial strategies to maintain viability.
Health Administration Research Domains
Which DHA research domain does your healthcare administration problem align with?
Corresponding with the DHA research framework, the healthcare administration problem of identifying the potential cost implications of post￾COVID-19 reimbursement on hospitals aligns with the Health Policy Analysis domain as outlined in the DHA student materials. This domain
encompasses the study of policy impacts, regulations, and their consequences on hospital organizations and systems, providing a structured
approach to understanding the effects of reimbursement policies on hospital financial viability.
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Healthcare Administration Research Problem Justification Sources
Provide a minimum of 3 sources that clearly state in the conclusion or research findings of the published source that a healthcare administration
problem currently exists.
Source 1
(Required)
Full APA Citation:
Li American Hospital Association. (2021). Hospitals and health systems continue to face unprecedented financial challenges due to COVID-19.
American Hospital Association. https://www.aha.org/guidesreports/2020-05-05-hospitals-and-health-systems-face-unprecedented-financial￾pressures-due
Purpose of Research (1 sentence only):
This research aims to analyze the financial impact of post-COVID-19 CMS reimbursement on non-profit hospitals and develop
strategies for future financial planning (American Hospital Association,2021).
Author’s Conclusion or Results of Research (1 sentence only):
The author concluded that hospitals and health systems are experiencing significant financial challenges due to COVID-19,
necessitating the need for innovative solutions and strategic planning to ensure financial sustainability. (American Hospital
Association. (2021).
How this relates to my study (1 sentence only):
This study directly relates to my research by providing a current understanding of the financial challenges faced by hospitals and
health systems due to COVID-19, with an analysis of the post-COVID-19 CMS reimbursement impact on non-profit hospitals and
guiding future financial planning strategies. (American Hospital Association. (2021).
Source 2
(Required)
Full APA Citation:
Je Jenkins, D., & Ho, V. (2023). Nonprofit Hospitals: Profits and cash reserves grow. Charity Care Does Not. Health Affairs, 42(6),
866–869. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2022.01542
Purpose of Research (1 sentence only):
The purpose was to analyze the early financial impact of the post-COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. hospitals (Jenkins & Ho, 2023).
Author’s Conclusion or Results of Research (1 sentence only):
The research found that U.S. hospitals experienced severe monetary constraints at the start of the post-COVID-19 outbreak
(Jenkins & Ho, 2023)
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How this relates to my study (1 sentence only):
This source supports the finding that many hospitals suffered financial loss due to post-COVID-19, highlighting it as a significant
healthcare administration issue (Jenkins & Ho, 2023)
Source 3
(Required)
Full APA Citation:
Gidwani R, Damberg CL. Changes in US hospital financial performance during the COVID-19 public health emergency. JAMA
Health Forum. 2023;4(7): e231928. 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.1928
Purpose of Research (1 sentence only):
Gidwani and Damberg (2023) examined post-COVID-19 trends in hospital financial performance using updated data from
California, revealing a new but escalated unfavorable financial picture for hospitals and commercially insured, thereby supporting
the assertion that there remains a healthcare administration issue post-pandemic.
Author’s Conclusion or Results of Research (1 sentence only):
The research findings suggest that US hospitals have experienced significant changes in financial performance during the
COVID-19 public health emergency, highlighting the importance of understanding the financial impact of post-COVID-19
CMS reimbursement on non-profit hospitals for future planning
How this relates to my study (1 sentence only):
This study provides valuable insights into the financial challenges faced by US hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic,
which can inform future planning strategies for non-profit hospitals.
Practice Gap Statement
Now that you have identified a current healthcare administration problem, you will compose a Practice Gap Statement (PGS) following the
example and instructions in the appendix. Your PGS should not be longer than 2-3 sentences.
Given the heightened financial vulnerability exacerbated by COVID-19, there exists a significant research gap regarding the nuanced impacts of
post-COVID-19 reimbursement policies, particularly with a specific focus on CMS as a key player. Existing studies acknowledge these
challenges; however, the current literature lacks a comprehensive examination of how these policies variably affect financial stability in the post￾pandemic landscape. While reimbursement policies are a critical factor, it is imperative to recognize the multifaceted nature of financial
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management in healthcare systems. Addressing this gap is crucial for developing informed financial strategies that ensure the sustainability of
healthcare delivery systems.”
Practice Gap Sources
Provide at least one source clearly stating the desired ideal state of professional practice related to your healthcare administration problem.
Source 1
(Required)
Gra Graves, J. A., Baig, K., & Buntin, M. (2021). The financial effects and consequences of COVID-19: A Gathering Storm. JAMA –
Journal of the American Medical Association, 326(19), 1909-1910. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.18863
Desired Ideal State of Professional Practice:
The desired ideal state of professional practice is to implement resilient financial strategies in healthcare settings to mitigate the
adverse effects of crises like COVID-19, as emphasized by Graves et al. (2021).
Source 2
(Optional)
Full APA Citation:
Lel Laland. (2023). Implementation of US Post-Acute care payment reform and COVID-19 policies: Examining experiences of health
system leaders, staff, patients, and family caregivers. A Protocol. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
20(20):6959. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20206959.
Desired Ideal State of Professional Practice:
The ideal situation, as outlined by Leland (2023), involves implementing new efficient models such as the hospital-at-home model
or hospital-at-patients-at-home, which creates opportunities to improve patients’ outcomes, increase accessibility of acute care
services, and minimize costs.
Section 1: Feedback and Scoring
Project mentors will provide a scoring of “Met” or “Not Met” for this section. In the case of a “Not Met” scoring, detailed feedback will be included
on how to revise the specific elements above successfully.
Mentor
Met ☒
Not Met ☒
Detailed Feedback:
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Program
Met ☐
Not Met ☐
Detailed Feedback:
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Section 2: Purpose and Review Questions
(Click here for instructions and examples)
The research purpose and review questions must be derived entirely from the sources provided in Section 1.
Research Purpose
To address your stated problem, what is the purpose of your study using no more than 1-2 sentences??
The purpose of this study is to analyze and assess the specific financial implications of post-COVID-19 CMS reimbursement changes on non￾profit hospitals, aiming to provide insights that can inform strategic decision-making and financial planning within these healthcare organizations.
Review Question(s)
Conclude with your review question. (1 sentences)
How do post-COVID-19 reimbursement policies affect hospitals’ financial performance, and what measures can hospital administrators take t to
prevent or lessen the potential negative impacts of these policies?
Section 2: Feedback and Scoring
Project mentors will provide a scoring of “Met” or “Not Met” for this section. In the case of a “Not Met” scoring, detailed feedback will be included
on how to revise the specific elements above successfully.
Mentor
Met ☐
Not Met ☐
Detailed Feedback:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Program
Met ☐
Not Met ☐
Detailed Feedback:
Click or tap here to enter text.
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Section 3: Framework
(Click here for instructions and examples)
Framework (Conceptual or Theoretical)
What theory(ies) and concept(s) support (frame) your study, and who are the original authors? Provide an in-text citation with your response and the
complete APA reference.
Source 1
(Required)
Full APA Citation:
McClellan, et al (2021). Health care payers COVID-19 Impact assessment: Lessons learned and compelling needs.
NAM Perspectives Discussion Paper, National Academy of Medicine, Washington,
DC. https://doi.org/10.31478/202105a.
Purpose of Framework (1 sentence only):
The purpose of the theoretical framework evaluated by (McClellan, 2021) is to showcase lessons learned from the
COVID-19 pandemic and identify the compelling needs of healthcare payers to effectively address the financial
impact of post-COVID-19 CMS reimbursement on non-profit hospitals.
Key Constructs of Framework (1 sentence only):
This framework discusses the key financial performance indicators, resource mobilization and utilization, and
hospital financial management stewardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How this relates to my study (1 sentence only):
This framework is useful for my study because it helps me understand the financial problems that hospitals
encounter, which correspond to the economic consequences of post-COVID-19 reimbursement policies
addressed in my research.
Source 2
(Optional)
Full APA Citation:
Khullar D, Bond AM, Schpero WL. COVID-19 and the Financial Health of US
Hospitals. JAMA. 2020;323(21):2127–2128. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.6269
Purpose of Framework (1 sentence only):
The purpose of the Contingency Approach to Theory framework is to assess the financial implications of COVID-19
on US hospitals, particularly focusing on the impact of post-COVID-19 CMS reimbursement on non-profit hospitals
and informing future planning strategies.
Key Constructs of Framework (1 sentence only):
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The key constructs of the framework include the financial health of US hospitals during COVID-19, the impact of
post-COVID-19 CMS reimbursement on non-profit hospitals, and strategies for future planning.
How this relates to my study (1 sentence only):
Although unrelated to healthcare administration, this framework would help me understand the other effects
of COVID-19 in the context of my study on the cash flow effect of post-COVID-19 reimbursement policies on
healthcare facilities.
How do these theories and concepts relate to your healthcare administration problem, purpose, and review question? (no more than 2-3 sentences)
The Contingency approach theory and concepts related to financial health, reimbursement models, and strategic planning are crucial in understanding the
impact of COVID-19 on US hospitals, particularly non-profit institutions. By applying the Contingency approach to the framework, we can assess the financial
challenges faced by hospitals, analyze the implications of CMS reimbursement changes post-COVID-19, and develop effective strategies for future financial
sustainability and planning in the healthcare sector.
Section 3: Feedback and Scoring
Project mentors will provide a scoring of “Met” or “Not Met” for this section. In the case of a “Not Met” scoring, detailed feedback will be included
on how to revise the specific elements above successfully.
Mentor
Met ☐
Not Met ☐
Detailed Feedback:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Program
Met ☐
Not Met ☐
Detailed Feedback:
Click or tap here to enter text.
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Section 4: Significance
(Click here for instructions and examples)
Significance
How will your study address the meaningful, discipline-specific issue that you identified and, therefore, contribute to your field, discipline, professional
practice, etc., contributing to positive social change?
My study will address the meaningful issue of the financial impact of post-COVID-19 CMS reimbursement on non-profit hospitals by
providing valuable insights and data-driven analysis that can inform policy decisions, financial strategies, and operational planning within
the healthcare sector. By shedding light on the challenges faced by non-profit hospitals in the post-pandemic reimbursement landscape,
this research has the potential to contribute to healthcare industry in the US by promoting financial sustainability and improved
healthcare delivery within these vital institutions.
Significance of study related to social determinants?
This research topic aims to identify and explain post-COVID-19 reimbursement policies to determine their financial costs. Social determinants of
Health relate to access to health care and quality of care. This study is valuable in addressing social determinants of health disparities primarily
by helping to alleviate financial pressure on hospitals and consequently identifying ways to address them.
Section 4: Feedback and Scoring
Project mentors will provide a scoring of “Met” or “Not Met” for this section. In the case of a “Not Met” scoring, detailed feedback will be included
on how to revise the specific elements above successfully.
Mentor
Met ☐
Not Met ☐
Detailed Feedback:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Program
Met ☐
Not Met ☐
Detailed Feedback:
Click or tap here to enter text.
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Section 5: Research Alignment Table
(Click here for instructions and examples)
Complete the Research Design Alignment Table using the information from earlier sections of this form. An alignment table can help ensure the
alignment of your research design.
Research Design Alignment Table Video Tutorial (YouTube) | Doctoral Research Design Alignment Appointments or Office Hours
Healthcare Administration
Problem
Practice Gap Purpose Review Question Theoretical Framework
List the theories and conceptual
framework.
Impact of COVID-19 on
the Financial Performance
of Largest Teaching
Hospitals.
Several teaching
hospitals are operating
under financial pressure
due to the COVID-19
outbreak, thereby
jeopardizing quality
healthcare services.
The framework evaluates
the interplay between
various theoretical
perspectives in
understanding the complex
dynamics of nursing care
delivery during the
pandemic.
What are the effective
strategies for the largest
teaching hospitals to
improve their financial
performance in the face
of challenges posed by
the COVID-19
pandemic?
The Contingency approach to
Theory framework.
Section 5: Feedback and Scoring
Project mentors will provide a scoring of “Met” or “Not Met” for this section. In the case of a “Not Met” scoring, detailed feedback will be included
on how to revise the specific elements above successfully.
Mentor
Met ☐
Not Met ☐
Detailed Feedback:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Program
Met ☐
Not Met ☐
Detailed Feedback:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Once your Research Design Alignment Table is completed, reflect on your design alignment. Ask yourself:
1. Is there a logical progression from the problem of interest to the healthcare administration problem, practice gap, and purpose/review question?
2. Does the identified framework ground the investigation into the healthcare administration problem?
3. Do the problem of interest and framework align with the purpose/review question?