Theraworx Project Proposal
Disciplines
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Equipment and Supplies | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are associated with increased hospital stay, costs, and mortality. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common HAIs and are frequently caused by improper use of catheters in the healthcare setting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seventy-five percent of UTIs acquired in the hospital are associated with a urinary catheter and between fifteen to twenty-five percent of hospitalized patients will receive a urinary catheter during their hospital stay. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services consider catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) an avoidable risk and will no longer reimburse costs for the infection. A single CAUTI can cost a hospital anywhere from $867 to $10,197. CAUTIs are a threat to patient safety and interventions to alleviate these infections is warranted. The current practice for minimizing CAUTIs is appropriate catheter use, correct catheter insertion and maintenance technique, and immediate catheter removal when indicated. This project aims to evaluate the effect of Theraworx on CAUTI rates compared with current practice for insertion and maintenance of catheters on hospitalized patients with indwelling catheters on a medical unit at a Metro Atlanta Hospital. Theraworx technology is a topical application that is used in insertion of foley catheters and subsequent perineal care. Theraworx creates a zone of inhibition in the perineal area by helping maintain a low pH that preserves the already antimicrobial acidic nature of the skin. This product will be implemented into the unit’s CAUTI bundle for insertion and maintenance of catheters for six months. CAUTI rates data from six months of using Theraworx will be compared with previous six months of CAUTI rates while using current practice for the unit. If CAUTI rates have decreased, then the project was successful.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Jan Turner
Theraworx Project Proposal
Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are associated with increased hospital stay, costs, and mortality. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common HAIs and are frequently caused by improper use of catheters in the healthcare setting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seventy-five percent of UTIs acquired in the hospital are associated with a urinary catheter and between fifteen to twenty-five percent of hospitalized patients will receive a urinary catheter during their hospital stay. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services consider catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) an avoidable risk and will no longer reimburse costs for the infection. A single CAUTI can cost a hospital anywhere from $867 to $10,197. CAUTIs are a threat to patient safety and interventions to alleviate these infections is warranted. The current practice for minimizing CAUTIs is appropriate catheter use, correct catheter insertion and maintenance technique, and immediate catheter removal when indicated. This project aims to evaluate the effect of Theraworx on CAUTI rates compared with current practice for insertion and maintenance of catheters on hospitalized patients with indwelling catheters on a medical unit at a Metro Atlanta Hospital. Theraworx technology is a topical application that is used in insertion of foley catheters and subsequent perineal care. Theraworx creates a zone of inhibition in the perineal area by helping maintain a low pH that preserves the already antimicrobial acidic nature of the skin. This product will be implemented into the unit’s CAUTI bundle for insertion and maintenance of catheters for six months. CAUTI rates data from six months of using Theraworx will be compared with previous six months of CAUTI rates while using current practice for the unit. If CAUTI rates have decreased, then the project was successful.