Date of Award
Spring 6-12-2020
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Debbie Conner, Ph.D., MSN, ANP/FNP-BC, FAANP
Abstract
This project identified gaps in policy and processes to improve patient outcomes related to workflow in the catheter-associated urinary tract infection policy and process at a 400-bed hospital in southern California. Even with an evidence-based infection prevention bundle in place, the current process was not working, as demonstrated by high catheter-associated infection rates for the last two years.
This project answers the question: Does the use of a comprehensive evaluation of the current policy and process using the Lean Six Sigma quality improvement model influence a reduction in infection rates in patients who have an internal urinary catheter over 15 weeks? Despite published consensus guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections; a single, evidence-based approach to the reduction of urinary tract infection does not exist. Avoiding the placement of catheters and encouraging early removal are the most effective interventions to prevent infection.
The outcomes of the project resulted in a decrease in infections and significant cost reduction for the organization related to patient days and fines. Implementation of teams, nurse-driven protocols, and the establishment of bi-annual staff education were successful interventions. Lean Six Sigma played a significant role in the recognition of practical strategies required to ensure the effective use of proven infection prevention and to decrease the burden of disease correlated with indwelling urinary catheterization.
Recommended Citation
Behrend, L. (2020). Revisiting CAUTI Prevention: A Multifaceted Approach using Lean Six Sigma. [Doctoral project, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences]. SOAR @ USA: Student Scholarly Projects Collection. https://doi.org/10.46409/sr.OGPH7615
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Scholarly project submitted to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor Nursing Practice.