Implications
The RN-driven protocol was
perceived positively by most
nursing staff resulting in higher
perception of nurses’ job ease. In
an era of higher performance
expectations and decreasing
reimbursements, job ease and
efficiency of nursing workflow is
integral to success. Under stand -
ing the needs of more experienced
RNs during change initiatives
may be needed. Although
the removal protocol resulted in
decreased urinary catheter utilization
rates, CAUTI rates
remain higher than desirable in
patients who are critically ill and
those with acute chronic urinary
retention. Personnel at the study
site are exploring other initiatives
to decrease CAUTI rates,
including catheter product
review and expanded education
and training of caregivers.
Further research is needed to
investigate initiatives to decrease
catheter utilization and infections
in patients who are critically
ill and those with acute and
chronic retention