Question

In order to evaluate an evidence-based practice project, it is important to be able to determine the effectiveness of your change. Discuss one way you will be able to evaluate whether your project made a difference in practice. Note: my project is on Catheter associated urinary tract infections. References are required

Answer 1

In order to evaluate an evidence-based practice project, it is necessary to develop an evaluation plan at the beginning so as information can be collected automatically along the way. Moreover, evaluation finding needs to be reasonable, easy to understand, relevant, and useful. It is essential to choose what aspect of the project is being evaluated. It may be process evaluations which involves evaluation of project capabilities rather than results. It may be impact evaluations which involves assessing short term objectives which suggests that larger goals are achieved. It also may be outcome evaluations which assess how effective I have been in achieving the goal.

Insertion of indwelling urinary catheters is inappropriate for caregiver convenience or patient comfort except during end-of-life care. Catheters should be inserted only when absolutely necessary and removed as soon as they're no longer needed to reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Consider alternatives such as intermittent catheterization and external catheters for males who can cooperate with treatment.

Best practices support using soap and water to clean the meatal surface around the catheter during daily routine catheter care. Cleaning the meatal surface with antiseptic solutions while a catheter is in place is ineffective for preventing CAUTI and not recommended. Projects that are well organized may results in short term impacts and later longer outcomes.Projects which are complex in nature such as health projects, often need both process and impact evaluation.

References:

Lockman JL, Heitmiller ES, Ascenzi JA, Berkowitz I. Scrub the hub! Catheter needleless port decontamination. Anesthesiology. 2011;114(4):958.

Simmons S, Bryson C, Porter S. “Scrub the hub”: cleaning duration and reduction in bacterial load on central venous catheters. Crit Care Nurs Q. 2011;34(1):31–35.

Lo E, Nicolle LE, Coffin SE, et al. SHEA/IDSA Practice Recommendation. Strategies to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections in acute care hospitals: 2014 update. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2014;35(5):464–479.