Variables Conceptual Definition

Variables Conceptual Definition Operational Definition
Institute education power point at annual competencies on CAUTI tool Education sessions, data collection forms with instructions and diagrams, and competency checks after training are required to achieve the level of understanding for this study (Blodgett et. al., 2014). Enrollment, participation, and posttest competency to ensure proficiency of risks and complications of CAUTIs and prevention tool
CAUTI rates six months prior to the tool CAUTI is diagnosed if the patient has an indwelling catheter for more than two days, and at least one of the following signs or symptoms: fever (>100.4 ºF), suprapubic tenderness with no other cause, and costovertebral angle pain or tenderness (Neelakanta
Quasi-experimental designs assist the pursuit for knowledge and examination of causality in situations in which complete control of a study design is impossible (Grove, Burns, & Gray, 2013). The design is used when randomization is improper and is typically easier to use. Quasi-experimental designs usually allow the researcher to control the treatment (Grove et. al., 2013). The proposal will be submitted to the Institutional Review Boards (IRB) of West Texas A&M University and chosen healthcare system for approval. After approvals are obtained, patients admitted to the acute Medical-Surgical unit with a catheter in place will be screened for eligibility. Patients meeting criteria will be flagged and chart reviewed with data documented by infection control manager. This design will help control as many threats to validity as possible (Grove et. al., 2013).
Ethical Considerations University and Clinical Agency IRB approvals will be attained. No patient names or identification numbers will be collected to ensure patient confidentiality and anonymity. Catheter days and confirmed number of CAUTIs will only be collected and recorded by a hospital trained infection control manager.
Time
The unit clerk is to record the number of patients on the unit that have a urinary catheter in place. The infection control manager will collect the information each day. Urine cultures will be ordered if a patient has symptoms indicative of a CAUTI. The hospital laboratory will be responsible for reporting positive urine cultures to the infection control manager. The infection control manager then will review the patient data for evidence of CAUTI. The infection control manager will then refer to the NHSN CAUTI definitions for confirmation. Conclusion
Basic nursing care and patient advocacy can ultimately lead to a positive change in patient outcomes. Reviewing policy and procedures and current evidence-based practice CAUTI prevention tool helps guide and remind hospital staff of the importance of CAUTI rates. Implementing training and education on CAUTI tool will decrease the prevalence of CAUTIs in hospitals all over. The study’s goal is not just CAUTI prevention, but rate reduction, cost reduction, and decreased length of stay. Using Lewin’s Change Model to implement, reinforce, and maintain the changes, one believes this study will be