WGU NURS 6308 D031 Advancing Evidence-Based Innovation in Nursing Practice - Decreasing the Risk of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections

Introduction

This proposal aims to present strategies for reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) within healthcare settings. To successfully implement this initiative, healthcare providers, including nurses and physicians, must receive comprehensive education on urinary catheter insertion, maintenance, and removal. Ensuring that catheters are used only when medically necessary and promptly removed when no longer needed is crucial for preventing infections and improving patient outcomes.

Explanation of Role

A nurse innovator serves as an advocate for patient-centered improvements, promoting equity, safety, and quality in healthcare. This role requires the ability to recognize gaps in patient care and propose evidence-based solutions to address them. In the study “Innovation Characteristics of Nurses and Their Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Nursing,” findings indicated that nurses actively engaged in scientific activities demonstrated a higher level of innovation and a stronger commitment to evidence-based practice. Furthermore, these nurses reported increased confidence in implementing best practices within their clinical settings (Erol et al., 2022).

The ultimate goal of a nurse innovator is to improve patient outcomes through the integration of evidence-based practice and forward-thinking approaches. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and innovative nursing professionals play a critical role in identifying areas for improvement, fostering collaboration among interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring the highest standards of care. The American healthcare system faces numerous challenges that demand new solutions, and nurses—who are at the forefront of patient care—are well-positioned to drive meaningful change (O’Hara et al., 2022).

Organizational Characteristics

This initiative will focus on Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH), a leading healthcare facility in New Haven, Connecticut. YNHH operates 1,541 inpatient beds and provides care for approximately 83,000 inpatients and 2.2 million outpatient visits annually. It is recognized as the primary acute care hospital in Connecticut and specializes in various fields, including oncology, transplantation, neurosciences, and neonatal care (About Yale New Haven Hospital, 2022).

Demographics

The estimated population of New Haven County is 134,023 people, making it one of the most diverse regions in Connecticut. The racial and ethnic composition of the county includes 43.6% Caucasian, a significant Hispanic population, and 5.8% of Asian descent. Many individuals in this area are middle-aged, which is an important factor when considering healthcare needs and infection prevention strategies (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.).

Roles of the Team Members

To implement this CAUTI prevention initiative, multiple healthcare professionals will be involved, each playing a critical role in ensuring its success:

• Staff Nurses: Responsible for proper urinary catheter insertion using sterile techniques and ensuring catheter maintenance to prevent infection.
• Charge Nurses: Oversee the implementation of the initiative, track catheter-related infection rates, and coordinate staff training.
• Nurse Supervisors/Managers: Monitor CAUTI trends and assess whether the initiative effectively reduces infection rates.
• Nurse Educators: Provide education on catheter insertion, maintenance, and infection prevention techniques while serving as a resource for staff inquiries.
• Catheter Insertion Team (CIT): Train nurses on the proper technique for catheter insertion and maintenance while ensuring adherence to infection prevention protocols.
• Physicians: Educate staff on CAUTI risk factors, emphasize the importance of appropriate catheter use, and serve as a resource for identifying and managing catheter-related infections.

Team Values

The foundation of this initiative is built on two key values: teamwork and education. Effective collaboration among nurses, physicians, and support staff will be essential in reducing infection rates and improving patient safety. In addition, ongoing education and promotion will ensure that healthcare professionals remain knowledgeable about the latest CAUTI prevention guidelines. By staying informed and reinforcing best practices, providers can enhance both patient outcomes and their clinical expertise.

Internal and External Factors

YNHH has reported a 15% increase in CAUTI rates from 2020 to 2021, highlighting a need for intervention. Potential contributing factors include inadequate training, improper sterile technique, and overuse of catheters. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a rise in hospital admissions, increasing the need for urinary catheters in critically ill patients. Regardless of the cause, maintaining strict infection control measures is imperative to ensuring patient safety.

National Impact: CAUTIs are a widespread issue across healthcare facilities in the United States. In 2009, there were an estimated 449,334 CAUTI incidents, leading to approximately 13,000 deaths annually (National Healthcare Safety Network [NHSN], 2009). The economic burden is also substantial, with each CAUTI case costing $758 per patient and an estimated $340 million in annual healthcare expenditures associated with CAUTI management.

Strategic Initiatives Alignment

To combat CAUTI risks, this initiative aligns with national best practices for catheter use. Research indicates that approximately 75% of hospital-acquired UTIs are linked to urinary catheters, with 15-25% of hospitalized patients requiring catheterization at some point during their stay. Prolonged catheterization is the greatest risk factor for infection, making early removal a priority (Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections, 2015).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides evidence-based recommendations, including:

• Using catheters only when medically necessary.
• Removing catheters as soon as possible.
• Prioritizing hand hygiene before and after catheter handling.
• Utilizing aseptic insertion techniques with sterile equipment (CDC, 2015).

By integrating these recommendations into hospital policies and training, healthcare providers can effectively reduce infection rates and enhance patient care.

Purpose Statement

The objective of this initiative is to reduce and prevent CAUTIs through enhanced education and training for healthcare professionals.

Innovation Goal

• S: Decrease CAUTI rates by reinforcing sterile technique, ensuring proper catheter maintenance, and limiting catheter use to medically necessary cases.
• M: Measure progress every six months through CAUTI incidence tracking.
• A: Achieve compliance by providing staff education and ongoing support.
• R: Reduce unnecessary catheterization, decrease infection rates, and lower associated healthcare costs.
• T: Evaluate results over a 6-12 month period, adjusting strategies as needed.

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Resistance to change is a common barrier in healthcare settings. Many providers are accustomed to traditional catheter practices, making it essential to emphasize the long-term benefits of CAUTI prevention.

To encourage staff participation, this initiative proposes:

• Compensating nurses for completing training modules.
• Allocating additional resources to support catheter insertion teams.
• Providing ongoing mentorship from clinical educators.

Conclusion

Reducing CAUTI rates is a critical patient safety initiative that requires collaboration, education, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines. By equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary for infection prevention, hospitals can significantly improve patient outcomes while reducing costs associated with catheter-related complications.

References

About Yale New Haven Hospital. (2022). Yale New Haven Hospital. Retrieved from https://www.ynhh.org/about

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). CAUTI guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/cauti/index.html

Erol, O., Unsar, S., Yacan, L., & Gunes, A. (2022). Innovation characteristics of nurses and their attitudes toward evidence-based nursing. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.5152/jern.2022.55563

National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). (2009). Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections Report.