In hospitalized seniors, there is an increase in incidence of urinary tract infections caused by a foley catheter.
An analysis of statistics shows that urinary catheters will be used by approximately 25% of the hospitalized and 10% of those in nursing care. CAUTIs are currently a concern for 75% to 25% of seniors. Half of seniors in nursing homes will also get CAUTIs. Urinary tract infections account for 40% percent of hospital-acquired illnesses. (CDC, 2019)
Current Disparity
UroShield reduces CAUTIs while the EHR system does.
These are Four Truths
EHR reduces hospital-acquired and uncomplicated infections (CAUTIs) in the easiest manner. The EHR uses a physical approach to provide notifications that tell patients when their catheter needs to be removed (Elkbuli and colleagues, 2018).
This is advantageous as it decreases the number of patients suffering from CAUTIs. This alert system causes the EHR’s to send a second alarm. By removing the catheter immediately after the first alarm occurs, the nurses reduce the possibility of infection.
UroShield technology aids in decreasing the rate of infections. It prevents bacteria from colonizing the catheter and inhibits biofilm formation. UroShield uses ultrasonic technology to transmit low-frequency waves of 90 kHz along the catheter (Da Silva and al., 2002). This technology stops germs attaching to catheters.
4. UroShield can be used with any catheter size, and patients are able to replace the catheter on their own.
But not all hospitals are using the CAUTI prevention technology.
The Research Problem
Is Uroshield technology able to reduce the risk of CAUTis among older people?