Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice. Summary of Key Points

Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice
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Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice
Introduction
The article by Forehand and Stanton (2013) focuses on the implementation of evidence-based practices in reducing the occurrence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). According to the authors, CAUTIs are the main and the most stubborn healthcare-associated infections (HAI). As a result, zero tolerance towards CAUTIs has been advocated in many hospitals worldwide, and this approach coupled with external forces that have provided a mandate to report all HAI has facilitated the need to adopt evidence-based practices to mitigate CAUTIs (Forehand & Stanton, 2013). The main focus of the article is on the effect of a nurse-driven Foley catheter protocol on the prevention of CAUTIs. To achieve the purpose, the authors propose possible solutions that will facilitate improvement through appropriate utilization of Foley catheters and proper maintenance of the same.
Summary of Key Points
Several key points have been emphasized in the article. First, the authors place a huge emphasis on the implication of CAUTIs, both on patients and the healthcare system. CAUTIs are the most common hospital-acquired infections. The costs associated with the treatment of CAUTIs are very high and usually place a heavy burden on the healthcare system (Forehand & Stanton, 2013). Also, CAUTIs usually extend the length that a patient stays in the hospital, thus affecting their quality of life.
Second, the article notes that the implementation of evidence-based practices in mitigating CAUTIs has been facilitated by external factors such as the zero tolerance towards HAIs and the provision of a mandate to report any HAI. These external forces have played a major role in facilitating the implementation of EBPs because as part of the mandate, hospitals will no longer be reimbursed for costs incurred in the treatment of CAUTIs (Forehand & Stanton, 2013).
Third, the article noted that a nurse-driven foley catheter protocol is very effective in the reduction and prevention of CAUTIs. Nurses play an important role in inserting and maintaining urinary Foley catheters, and as such are at the frontline in the implementation of the protocol (Forehand & Stanton, 2013). The protocol also minimizes the utilization of foley catheters, an indication that nurses screened patients for eligibility before catheter insertion while discontinuing the catheters if patients were not eligible.
Finally, the authors noted another key point that emphasized on the hospital-wide education of all staffs to ensure they provide nurses with the necessary support in the prevention of CAUTIs. The education program should not only focus on staff, but also on patients who require a catheter insertion. This will ensure that patients are aware of why they require a catheter, and will also be aware of signs of a possible CAUTI (Forehand & Stanton, 2013). This level of patient and staff knowledge is effective in preventing and reducing the rate of CAUTIs.
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