Introduction
Nursing practice is based on clinical expertise and evidence from researchers. In the healthcare setting, PICOT questions provide a framework for studies to initiate changes for improved patient outcomes (Boswell & Cannon, 2018). The PICOT question that can be formulated from the proposed capstone change project topic is; for women with caesarian section delivery at the mother and baby unit (P), does the use of effective handwashing technique (I) reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (O) compared with ineffective handwashing technique (C) within 90 days (T)? Therefore, it is essential to discuss the impact of the clinical problem in the PICOT question on patient outcomes.
Evidence-Based Solution
Currently, the healthcare system is advocating for the integration of evidence-based approach in patient care because it is linked with improved outcomes. To support this initiative, researchers have doubled their efforts to identify issues in clinical practice and investigate the best interventions to solve them. For instance, prior studies suggest that effective handwashing technique during urine catheter insertion and care reduces Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in mothers delivered through the caesarian section (Galiczewski & Shurpin, 2017). Damilare (2020) post that UTIs form the most significant percentage of infections patients acquire through their hospital stay. The application of effective handwashing techniques before and after clinical procedures reduces the chances of introducing microorganisms to patients.
Nursing Intervention
UTIs are caused by the introduction of microorganisms into the body through septic procedures. Poor hand hygiene practices account for a significant number of infections acquired in the hospital. Before caesarian section, indwelling catheters are inserted to drain urine and stay in situ for at least 24 hours after surgery (Damilare, 2020). Galiczewski and Shurpin (2017) state that aseptic techniques remain critical in the prevention and control of infections. Therefore, initiating effective handwashing techniques during insertion and care significantly reduces microorganisms’ introduction into the genitourinary system.
Patient Care
UTI is one of the complications of catheters, especially for women who have undergone caesarian section operations. Unfortunately, the prevalence of infections during postoperative care remains high and accounts for a large percentage of reported mortality and morbidity cases (Damilare, 2020). According to Galiczewski and Shurpin (2017), UTIs prolong the hospital stay of patients and increase the cost of patient care. Therefore, safe practices during catheter insertion and care are anticipated to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Health Care Agency
The health sector and the public are sensitive to the outcomes of babies and their mothers after delivery. According to Damilare (2020), a significant portion of UTI infections is acquired at the mother and baby units where postnatal services are provided. The transmission occurs during the daily routine cleaning of the patients’ catheter site and change or removal by the healthcare providers (Galiczewski & Shurpin, 2017). High cases of mortality and morbidity resulting from catheter-associated UTIs negatively impact the overall image of healthcare organizations. The public losses trust concerning the services due to poor patient outcomes.
Nursing Practice
Integration of effective handwashing technique into clinical practice is anticipated to improve the safety and quality of nursing services provided to patients in the mother and baby units. Nurses feel protected when the healthcare environment has no factors that predispose them to infection (Damilare, 2020). As a result, they become motivated to work towards improving patient outcomes. The strategy will indirectly reduce the hospital stay of postnatal mothers and, therefore, reduce the nurses’ workload.
Conclusion
Transformations in the nursing practice rely on evidence from prior studies. Effective handwashing technique has profound impacts on the prevalence of catheter-associated UTIs. Integration of the strategy into nursing practice will significantly improve the health outcomes of mothers who have undergone caesarian sections. In addition, nurses get motivated to work when there is a reduced risk of acquiring infection. Effective handwashing technique is recommended in clinical practice for infection prevention and control.
References
Boswell, C., & Cannon, S. (2018). Introduction to nursing research (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Damilare, O. K. (2020). Hand washing: An essential infection control practice. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 13(1), 776-780. Web.
Galiczewski, J. M., & Shurpin, K. M. (2017). An intervention to improve the catheter associated urinary tract infection rate in a medical intensive care unit: direct observation of catheter insertion procedure. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 40, 26-34. Web.