Search for a quality initiative article or evidence-based practice article.
Use the article to discuss the following questions:
What is the practice gap or problem identified in the selected article?
The practice gap or problem identified in the article is catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which are considered an avoidable hospital-acquired infection (HAI). Research indicates that urinary catheters are a leading cause of urinary tract infections and hospital-acquired infections (Leontie & Delawder, 2021). Studies have shown that catheters are often inserted inappropriately, not properly cleaning the meatus, and the catheter is retained without medical necessity resulting in this preventable infection and increased hospital costs.
What was the solution to the practice gap or problem identified in the article?
Fight the Foley Bundle is an effective strategy to bridge the gap in Foley catheter misuse and reduce CAUTI rates (Leontie & Delawder, 2021). This approach focuses on minimizing catheter use if it's not necessary. This approach will also provide more education on proper hygiene and maintenance, and use of other external devices like a condom catheter, also use of intermittent catheterization. Nurse led removal protocols are essential in reducing CAUTI rates and lowering hospital costs.