Development of CAUTI Protocol

Abstract

<p><b>Statement of the Problem:</b> The purpose of this Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) student project is to develop a protocol and implement it in efforts to prevent the incidence of CAUTI among the critically ill patients in the intensive care unit at the Dayton Veteran Administration Medical Center (DVAMC).</p> <p><b>Background:</b> Currently at the DVAMC, there is no standard of care to dictate when patients should receive an indwelling catheter, how long the catheter should remain in place, alternatives to placing an indwelling catheter, or what type of documentation is needed to support the use of indwelling catheters. The development of a CAUTI protocol will provide guidance to providers on catheter usage and ultimately improve the quality of care provided to the critically ill patients in the ICU and TCU. The use of this protocol will prevent CAUTI, reduce urinary catheter use, reduce urinary catheter days, promote compliance to the CAUTI bundle, and decrease CAUTI rates.</p> <p><b>Theoretical Framework:</b> The theoretical framework that will be used in the implementation of the protocol is the 4 E's model (engage, educate, execute, and evaluate). The model is an action-oriented model; it ensures that all patients receive the same intervention. The model acknowledges and recognizes the importance of culture change, contextual factors, and engages staff in the project.</p> <p><b>Evaluation Plan:</b> A comparison between CAUTI rates, catheter usage, and catheter days pre and post implementation of the protocol will be completed. Compliance rates of each bundle will be monitored. This project demonstrates how the CNL role is that of a "change agent".</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 8, 2011</p>