Date of Award/Publication

12-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S. in Advanced Practice Nursing

First Supervisor

Christine Nelson-Tuttle

Second Supervisor

Heather McGrane Minton

Abstract

Background: Indwelling urinary catheters serve a purpose in critical care; however, they can also pose a risk for patients. With increased catheter use, there is an increased risk of developing a catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). CAUTIs lead to longer length of stay for patients, antibiotic treatment, and have a financial burden to the institution. The objective of this study was to determine if a nurse driven catheter removal protocol could reduce CAUTIs in critical care units.

Methods: Retrospective review of CAUTI data from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) was observed three months prior to the protocol implementation and three months post implementation.

Results: There were seven CAUTIs reported prior to the protocol implementation and five post implementation. There was also an increase noted in catheter days post implantation. There was a 29% reduction in CAUTI rate (p = 0.5736).

Discussion: While the rate reduction from pre to post protocol implementation was not statistically significant, we propose that given the reduction in CAUTIs, it is clinically significant.

Conclusion: Implementation of catheter removal protocols could be a useful tool in CAUTI reduction. Further research would be beneficial in determining the association between the tool and CAUTI rate reduction.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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