Reduction of Catheter, Research Paper Example

Problem

Catheter induced UTI counts for about 39% of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients. The Catheter induced UTI spreads among the hospitalized patients at alarming rates when the equipments are not sterilized or given good care. There are numerous methods and ways of reducing catheter induced UTIs. Antibiotics over the past have been used in its treatment (Bennett, 2007). With the alarming spread rate, better, cheaper and more effective methods have to be employed in hospitals where patients come together. This will reduce both the cost, time and effects used in control of Catheter induced UTI. Environmental conditions also contribute to the chances of contracting certain disease but Catheter induced UTI might be an exception.  Reduction of catheter leads to reduction of UTI (Whitcomb, 2007).

Significance of the problem

The research will aid the affected and medical officers in determining the best preventive measure for reduction of Urinary Tract Infection. The effectiveness of aseptic/ sterile techniques in control of catheter can hence be determined. In determining of this a close examination of patients from the same hospital was used. Suppose the method is effective, then can be applied in all hospitals where the spread of Catheter induced UTI hence the importance of the study of problem.

PICO question and Purpose of the paper

The PICO question addressed is to determine whether aseptic/sterile techniques and general cleanliness (hand-washing for example) reduce catheter induced UTIs in hospitalized patients and hence the purpose of paper. This acted as our hypothesis. Various techniques of sterilization are looked at to achieve this objective. The outcome will assist in designing preventative measures to reduce catheter induced UTI in hospitalized patients (Bennett, 2007).

Types of questions asked

Since the research was based on the references there was no question to be asked but the hypothesis acted as our main guide. All the studies were made when referring to it. There was neither interview involved nor questionnaires to be filled.

Best evidence found to answer question

The best method according to the group was by the use of books. The books (references) are more detailed and consider related problems. All the terms are as well explained in books. The two books “Reduction of catheter” and “Diseases: Diseases and modes of transmission” are from Oxford University Press.

Search terms used in finding the articles

With the topic, the articles were searched from the internet. Google (database used) assisted in this. The two articles were chosen based on the date of their publication (preferred 2005-2010). The recent ones were selected. The authors also aided in their choosing. Prominent and well known authors were selected and hence the two books.

Search strategy

In the achievement of the research objectives, “Reduction of catheter induced UTI in hospitalized patients” by Whitcomb 2007 has been consulted. The search strategy used is the use of books. The book gives numerous Aseptic/sterile techniques as well as other methods or reducing UTI. Whitcomb says that there are numerous microorganisms that might pass from one person to the other suppose sterilization of equipments does not take place. The types are; viruses, bacteria, yeast and even fungi. The sterilization methods he illustrates are; Autoclaving, Ethylene Oxide Gas (mostly by factory), UV Radiation and Microwave. Cather stays long and so when one item is used from one person to the other, there are chances that the second becomes infected suppose the first person was (Whitcomb, 2007).

He says that after the introduction of sterilization and its employ, the spread of diseases such as Catheter induced UTI and others that are transmitted through the unsterilized equipments. He says that when using the autoclaving method of sterilization, the items are held at a high temperature of 121⁰C, 15 psi for duration of fifteen minutes. The result according to him is that various microorganisms cannot tolerate such temperatures and so die though some can still survive even at 121⁰C. Microorganisms that are responsible for transmission of catheter are killed. This reduces the chances of further transmission (Bennett, 2007).

The use of UV light in sterilization of medical equipments ensure that no cell remain in the items. The UV light kills all the cells that it passes through according to Whitcomb 2007. The method also makes sure that catheter cells are killed and hence prevention of their spread. The equipment are then used after few minutes and sterilized again. Sterilization only reduces but cannot prevent as there are various methods of acquiring catheter (Whitcomb, 2007).

Refinement decisions made

The reasons as to why of aseptic/ sterile techniques are employed is to reduce the chances of survival (remaining in) of microorganisms or entry to other areas. The use of sterile technique reduces the chances of microorganism moving to the bladder along exterior parts of catheter amid the urethral mucosa and catheter. In conclusion, the use of sterile/aseptic techniques reduces the chances of contracting catheter induced UTI. Though it is expensive as compare to other methods/techniques but works better and should be utilized mostly by the medical officers. This will reduce both the chances that the hospitalized patients get catheter induced UTI and will act as preventive measures as well (Bennett, 2007).

References

Bennett, V. $  Jarvis, R. (2007). Bennett & Brachman’s hospital infections: Edition 5. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publishers.

Whitcomb, F. et all. (2007). Comprehensive hospital medicine: an evidence based approach Publisher Elsevier Health Sciences.