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.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
DNP Capstone Project
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Clinical Practice Guideline(s)
Research Approach
Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice
Keywords:
Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection, Improved Patient Outcomes, Lean Six Sigma
Advisor
Debbie Conner
Degree
DNP
Degree Grantor
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Degree Year
2020
Recommended Citation
Behrend, Lisa Ann, "Revisiting CAUTI prevention: A multifaceted approach using lean six sigma" (2020). DNP and Student Works. 10.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/dnps/10
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository.
All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
None: Degree-based Submission
Acquisition
Self-submission
Date of Issue
2020-06-12
Full Text of Presentation
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