Introduction
The Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection, which is also abbreviated as CAUTI, is a serious health problem. Due to the widespread use of catheters, the risk of CAUTI is significant, and it is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections. The responsibility of medical staff for the safety of patients, in this case, is high since the lack of adequate preventive practices can be a prerequisite for the development of infection. In this regard, interaction with target patients, namely emotional support from nurses, is a significant aspect of care. By providing emotional support, nurses can help patients better understand and manage their condition, potentially leading to improved treatment adherence and better patient outcomes.
This paper is aimed at presenting two relevant quantitative studies assessing the functions of nurses in addressing the CAUTI problem, including not only physical but also psychological care. The subsequent PICOT question is: In patients with CAUTI (P), does the provision of nursing emotional support (I), compared to a care setting without psychological counseling (C), resulting in better patient outcomes (O) over the course of one month (T)? Appropriate nursing support is key to faster recovery of targeted patients and helps maintain favorable care control.
Background of Studies
One of the relevant studies is the article by Greene et al. (2020). As the main problem, the authors consider the issue of patient psychological safety from the standpoint of vulnerability to healthcare-associated infection (Greene et al., 2020). The relevance of the article to nursing is explained by the description of the existing methods of provider-patient emotional interaction and its purpose; the task is to evaluate the most effective ways of communication. Among the objectives, Greene et al. (2020) list identifying trends in the healthcare system, evaluating the roles of selected interaction practices, and defining safety culture, while there is no direct research question.
The study by Kakkar et al. (2021) is another relevant article. The researchers also raise the issue of hospital-acquired infections and assess how nursing personnel may help target patients (Kakkar et al., 2021). The relevance to nursing practice is evident since this category of medical employees is the main interested party. The purpose of the article is to identify educational perspectives for preparing nursing staff to interact with patients with hospital-acquired infections, and as a concomitant objective, the analysis of specific problems is provided, such as CAUTI. A direct research question is not posed, and the key tasks are formulated in the study’s aims.
Supporting the Chosen Nursing Practice Problem
Nursing interventions specific to patients with CAUTI are included in both studies. Infection prevention measures ultimately impact the results of CAUTI patients, and Greene et al. (2020) concentrate on the influence of psychological safety on these activities. Similar to this, Kakkar et al. (2021) focus on the practices of nursing personnel in dealing with CAUTI and other hospital-acquired infections. Both studies’ interventions fit with the PICOT question’s focus on nursing practices. According to Greene et al. (2020), psychological safety — which may be thought of as a type of emotional support provided by nurses — has an impact on infection control procedures. Nursing personnel receive education and training from Kakkar et al. (2021), which can be seen as an intervention to improve nursing practices. Both trials target CAUTI patients, emphasize acceptable nursing practices, and evaluate pertinent patient outcomes.
Methods of Studies
The article’s main nursing issue is the prevention and management of HAIs, with a focus on CAUTI. In Greene et al.’s (2020) study, the research method is based on the quantification of data collected from the target sample. Kakkar et al. (2021) use a different principle of problem assessment, although they also utilize a quantitative method. The results of nursing training are assessed without reference to personal positions, thus offering a more objective evaluation based on valid data.
The main benefit of Greene et al.’s (2020) research method is a user-friendly system for displaying results, including those related to CAUTI prevention. At the same time, as already mentioned, the main limitation of the article is its complete reliance on self-reported data. Objectivity in evaluating outcomes is a major strength of the study by Kakkar et al. (2021). However, this work does not include testing of the proposed assessment methods, which reduces the practical value of the collected evidence. Overall, the interventions and methods referenced in the articles touch on a few aspects of support in the medical setting that can improve patient outcomes in the context of CAUTI prevention.
Results of Studies
Greene et al.’s (2020) findings are based on the assessment of certain parameters that influence the nature of support for patients with healthcare-associated infections, including CAUTI. Psychological safety is one of the key criteria impacting the relevant results. The implications of this research for nursing practice are valuable because the role of emotional interaction revealed through psychological support is proven. Greene et al.’s (2020) findings emphasize the role of psychological safety in impacting patient outcomes related to infection prevention. Given that, according to Meddings et al. (2019), the issue of CAUTI is one of the most critical ones in modern urology, the findings are of practical value.
The main findings of Kakkar et al.’s (2021) study suggest that care for patients with CAUTI and accompanying emotional distress can be achieved through adequate nursing training. At the same time, as the authors argue, there is little credible evidence to support real practical change with regard to the stated health problem (Kakkar et al., 2021). The impact of the findings on nursing practice suggests that adequate nursing training can positively impact care for CAUTI patients experiencing emotional distress. Nevertheless, from a productive clinical perspective, more testing is needed.
Ethical Considerations
In conducting scholarly research, some ethical considerations should be taken into account. For instance, in Greene et al.’s (2020) study, the response rate from involved nurses is low, suggesting potential inaccuracies in the data collected. Obtaining approval for the processing of personal data is a mandatory ethical consideration, and this factor is successfully addressed in both of the works under consideration. Greene et al. (2020) describe the process of sample involvement and mention the implementation of all planned stages within the proposed activities. This approach meets the ethical standards of scholarly research and is not associated with violations. In the study by Kakkar et al. (2021), both aforementioned ethical factors are addressed in full. The response rate is high, and consent to the processing of individual data has been obtained, which excludes any claim for incompetent collection of information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nursing emotional support plays a critical role in the effective management of CAUTI. The studies reviewed demonstrate the importance of psychological safety and proper nursing training in positively influencing patient outcomes related to infection prevention and emotional distress. As healthcare professionals, nurses must recognize the importance of emotional support and continually strive to improve patient care through evidence-based practices.
The connection between the nursing issue of emotional support for CAUTI patients and the articles’ findings is evident in both studies. Greene et al. (2020) highlight the impact of psychological support on infection prevention and patient outcomes, while Kakkar et al. (2021) emphasize the need for proper nursing training to address emotional distress effectively. However, further research is warranted to strengthen the evidence base for nursing emotional support and its impact on CAUTI management.
References
Greene, M. T., Gilmartin, H. M., & Saint, S. (2020). Psychological safety and infection prevention practices: Results from a national survey. American Journal of Infection Control, 48(1), 2-6. Web.
Kakkar, S. K., Bala, M., & Arora, V. (2021). Educating nursing staff regarding infection control practices and assessing its impact on the incidence of hospital-acquired infections. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 10, 1-6. Web.
Meddings, J., Manojlovich, M., Fowler, K. E., Ameling, J. M., Greene, L., Collier, S., Bhatt, J., & Saint, S. (2019). A tiered approach for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infection. Annals of Internal Medicine, 171(7), S30-S37. Web.