Publications

Scholarly Journals--Accepted

  • Charis McCoy, MSN, FNP-BC, Monica Paredes, BSN, RN, OCN, Sara Allen, BSN, RN, Jennifer Blackey, BSN, RN, OCN, Carol Nielsen, BSN, RN, OCN, Amy Paluzzi, BSN, RN, Brittney Jonas, BSN, RN, Patti Radovich, PhD, CNS, FCCM Implementing a Program to Decrease Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections in the Oncology PopulationJournal of Oncology Nursing   Abstract BACKGROUND:  The devastating impact of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) on immunocompromised oncology patients demands action from the bedside nurse to protect against preventable infections. This problem piqued interest at our 442-- bed academic teaching hospital when a rise in inpatient acuity corresponded with an increase in indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) days, subsequently causing a rise in CAUTIs. OBJECTIVES:  The goal of the program is to prevent CAUTIs in the oncology inpatient population by implementing evidence-based nurse-driven interventions for discontinuing IUCs.  METHODS:  Thirty-four articles were reviewed leading to the development of a nurse-driven protocol. A hospital committee approved the protocol, providing an implementation trial on two 26-bed oncology units. Unit staff were educated on the protocol and use of the audit tool. FINDINGS: Initially, no change was noted until 2016; only two CAUTIs were reported on one unit and none on the other.  Nursing compliance with the protocol rose from 66% initially to 90% within the first 2 months. This represents improved outcomes for our patients and approximately $4,000 in cost savings. Additionally, findings revealed an increase in medical and nursing staff knowledge of appropriateness of IUCs.  The evidence-based nurse-driven protocol empowers registered nurses to protect oncology inpatients from CAUTIs.   KEY WORDS: CAUTI, CAUTI prevention, CAUTI bundle, CAUTI algorithm, healthcare-associated infections, nursing protocol (10/2015)