Improving catheter-associated urinary tract infections in the intensive care unit: implementation of a rounding tool to enhance communication and collaboration.

Author

Bethany Carol Risen, University of LouisvilleFollow

Date on Paper

7-2023

Document Type

Doctoral Paper

Degree Name

D.N.P.

Department

Nursing

Committee Chair

Shumaker, Shannon

Committee Member

Abusalem, Said

Author's Keywords

catheter-associated urinary tract infection; rounding tool; interdisciplinary communication; multidisciplinary rounding; intensive care unit

Abstract

Background/Significance: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are avoidable and costly healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. A rise in CAUTIs at the project site, and the need for a standardized CAUTI prevention communication process, prompted this quality improvement project.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to decrease CAUTIs through improved communication and collaboration amongst the critical care team.

Methods: Twelve nurses completed the Collaboration and Satisfaction about Care Decisions (CSACD) questionnaire pre- and post- intervention which, evaluated communication and collaboration. Nurses also assessed IUC indication and removal during interdisciplinary rounds.

Intervention: This project incorporated a rounding tool that addressed IUC maintenance, during interdisciplinary rounding, to improve interdisciplinary communication and collaboration and facilitate early IUC removal, among intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Results: Fifty percent of participants demonstrated an improvement in CSACD scores from pre- to post-intervention; however, this improvement was not statistically significant (p = 0.118). CAUTI rates remained unchanged; IUC utilization rates increased.

Discussion: Although communication and collaboration scores did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement, the results demonstrate clinical significance. With rounding tool implementation, nurses were able to identify patients without proper indication for IUCs and discuss removal with the care team.

Recommended Citation

Risen, Bethany Carol, "Improving catheter-associated urinary tract infections in the intensive care unit: implementation of a rounding tool to enhance communication and collaboration." (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers. Paper 142.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/dnp/142