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# First discussion:

The initial phase of the action plan would entail a comprehensive analysis of current protocols and guidelines pertaining to the insertion, maintenance, and extraction of catheters. This review would involve the participation of experts from various disciplines, including nursing, infection control, urology, and general medicine. The inclusion of input from several specialized areas is crucial in order to ascertain the most efficacious strategies for preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs).

After identifying deficiencies in the existing guidelines, a committee of members from many disciplines would collaborate to develop revised protocols. One potential scenario is the utilization of nursing staff to provide their specialized knowledge regarding the routine parts of catheter maintenance. Additionally, infection control experts might be consulted to provide guidance on the most effective ways for sterilization. The medical need of catheter usage may be evaluated by urologists, while general medicine specialists might provide a comprehensive viewpoint on patient care aspects and related conditions that may influence the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) (Potugari, Umukoro & Vedre, 2020).

Following the implementation of these novel protocols, training initiatives will be undertaken to ensure that personnel are proficient in the revised methodologies. Simultaneously, mechanisms would be established to consistently assess adherence to these novel criteria. The committee members would convene monthly meetings in order to thoroughly examine the gathered data, identify developing patterns, and make necessary adjustments to the action plan.

The proposal would also prioritize patient education, recognizing the significant role that well-informed patients play in preventing infections. The provision of educational resources and concise instructional sessions during patients’ hospitalization would enable them to actively engage in the management of their catheter care, therefore reducing the likelihood of infection.

As argued by Salmanov et al., (2023), the key to effectively mitigating the increase in Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) rests on embracing an interdisciplinary methodology. Our Quality Improvement (QI) project is to significantly reduce the incidence of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) by using the knowledge and skills of professionals from several disciplines. Through a continuous process of improvement, we hope to enhance patient welfare and improve the overall quality of healthcare.

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# Seconde Discussion

Creating a specific and particular clinical issue that will direct our efforts is the first stage in any quality improvement endeavor. In order to address the underlying causes of the rise in CAUTI and identify potential areas for improvement, our clinical question needs to be carefully crafted.

Clinical Question: How can we reduce the prevalence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) on our hospital unit by 20% in the next quarter?

Our interprofessional team, which consists of nurses, doctors, infection control professionals, and quality assurance specialists, may start working together on a comprehensive action plan with this issue in mind. These are some important actions to think about:

• When installing and caring for urinary catheters, use an aseptic method. The area around the urethra must be washed with an antiseptic solution, and sterile gloves, a gown, and a mask must be worn. Additionally, it’s essential never to touch the catheter with our hands.
• Every eight hours or more, empty the bladder catheter bags. This will aid in avoiding backed-up and stagnant urine, which would serve as a haven for bacteria.
• Before and after the catheter is inserted, wash the urinary meatus with soap and water. Doing so decreases the possibility of infection, and any potential bacteria will be removed.
• When using urinary catheters, use a closed drainage system. This means the drainage bag should be closed and sealed, and the catheter should be attached. This will lessen the likelihood of bacteria entering the system.
• Urinary catheters should be removed as soon as they are no longer required. The risk of infection increases the longer a catheter is left in place.
• Educate patients and their families about the risks of CAUTIs and the best ways to avoid them. By following the advice of their medical professionals and taking precautions to keep the catheter dry and clean, patients and their families can significantly contribute to preventing CAUTIs.

Along with these approaches, we might also consider the following additional actions:

• Routinely checking catheter care procedures.
• Establishing a uniform catheter insertion and care routine and putting it into use.
• Use a checklist for inserting and caring for urinary catheters to ensure all steps are taken correctly.
• Monitoring the unit’s CAUTI frequency on a regular basis.

In conclusion, our goal is to decrease the occurrence of CAUTIs in our unit and improve the overall standard of care we offer to our patients by addressing this critical issue via an interdisciplinary lens and being driven by our clinical question. This teamwork shows our dedication to patient safety and propels us toward a healthier future for everyone we care for.