Use of silvercoated catheter

Research Paper

 

Introduction

This paper aims to explore the nursing intervention proposed in the use of catheters. The question, “will patients over the age of 65years (P) that use silicon coated indwelling catheters (I) compared to the traditional, non- coated style of indwelling catheter (C) have fewer numbers of Catheter Associated-Urinary Tract Infection (O) over a period of six months (T)?” refers to this. There is extensive evidence to show that silicon coated indwelling catheters lead to far fewer complications when compared to non-coated indwelling catheters (latex catheters). This paper therefore aims to support the replacement of latex catheters with those coated with silicone in hospitals as a way of reducing these complications.

 The intervention outlined in this paper also includes avoiding catheterization as much as possible, for use only in absolutely necessary circumstances. Additionally, catheter use, be it external or indwelling, should be informed by the length of time the patient is expected to use the catheter. (Burton, 2016)

Hospitals should significantly invest in phasing out latex catheters and replacing them with silicone coated ones. They should be actively lobbied by the nursing fraternity towards this, while exuding the benefits that will accrue from superior nursing care to patients. Hospitals should also invest in training their medical staff on the advantages of these catheters, as well as training on other aspects of the intervention plan. The intervention does not only involve catheter change from silicone to latex. It also includes training to patients and nursing staff about hygiene and catheter use. (NCBI, 2012)

Evaluation Methods and Tools

Due to the nature of this study, the study will utilize already existing evaluation tools, as well as newly formulated one. As the question suggests, the parameters for evaluation are based on the incidence of infections and complications brought about as a result of catheter use, and which of these are caused by latex, and silicone catheters. The age of patients, and whether advancement in age has any influence on the incidence of infections, and the role played by time over which indwelling catheterization is happening. Some people are allergic to latex. These are to be excluded from the study for uniformity purposes.

These evaluation tools will found the design of the study. As such, the study can be described as being a hybrid between being an experimental and quasi – experimental study. The participants will consciously be selected based on age, and intolerance to latex.  Upon this selection, however, the participants will then be assigned to control groups randomly. Additionally, the sampling of this group will be done randomly as well. This study is designed to be descriptive. As such, it does not intend to manipulate the outcomes and variables, but rather seeks to study them, and describe them.

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The study’s design is also fashioned in a way that will enable the collection of baseline data. This is the data that will be collected so as to form a basis for data analysis in the duration of the study. As such, pre and post tests will be done using the baseline data the foundation of this. For example, the study will collect baseline data as a way of checking any weaknesses in randomization. This will ensure that any infections that were not as a result of catheter use are not indicated as such. This will enhance the accuracy and reliability of study. Posttest analysis is done to measure the response, or the findings of the research, but relative to the pretests.

Confidentiality of the participants is key to the research. The knowledge that health information, which is particularly sensitive to clients, and is even protected by laws such as HIPAA will be kept confidential and anonymous will be key to honest and credible information from the patients. Any divulgence of information should be done with the written consent of the patient. To ensure that otherwise, the confidentiality of information relating to these participants is not compromised, the research will ensure to discuss the issue with participants before commencement. This will ensure the alignment of expectations between the researcher and the respondents (Krishnaswamy, 2009)

Data collection, Analysis and Measurement

Data collection will include various methods. The researcher will give out simplified questionnaires to patients, so as to capture those aspects of the test that cannot be captured empirically. These include discomfort of the client, and level of satisfaction with the catheter. Data will also be collected on the level of knowledge that health care personnel have regarding catheter usage, and the different types of catheters in use. Perusal of health information records of patients being surveyed will be surveyed before, during and after the conclusion of the study. Face to face interviews with personnel, as well as observations as they handle catheters will also form an important part of data collection. This will help collecting empirical data about incidence of UTIs in the patients, and other health information.

 Data analysis will be mainly of a statistical format. Whereas it may be thought that only quantitative data can be analyzed statistically, so can qualitative data. This can be used by using solutions such as analyzing the data and capturing the main themes. After this, the themes can then be quantified. For example, a qualitative measure may be the level of satisfaction felt by patients after use of different catheters. This would then be graded for easier presentation statistically. Some other measures are quantitative. These include the incidence of UTIs, in the control group.

 Nursing Interventions

The research looks at one nursing intervention in particular. The issues that need to be addressed in the plan is the clear role that indwelling catheters have in contraction of UTIs by patients over 65 years of age, after usage exceeding six months.  The discomfort during introduction and removal of the catheter, and while using the catheter, as well as the level of satisfaction enjoyed by the patient based on the type of catheter used are also considered in the nursing intervention.

To have an efficient plan, there must be goals set, that are going to guide the intervention. The goal is to minimize the incidence of UTIs resulting from use of indwelling non coated catheters. The other goal is to improve the overall customer experience by making catheter use more comfortable and satisfactory to patients, and therefore aid their recovery in a better way than before. (Huang, 2005)

The intervention will include training of health personnel on how to handle catheters, and the need to use catheters only when necessary. It will also involve doing away with latex catheters in favor of silicon coated catheters. Once they have served their purpose, these catheters should then be removed promptly. (Stokowski, 2009)

Evaluation of this plan will involve checking on the decline of UTIs as a result of indwelling catheters after a particular period of time. The level of patient satisfaction with the service rendered in the hospital will be considered, as will be the level of expertise now exhibited by personnel. This can be deduced by use of simple questionnaires to see the effect of the intervention plan, before and after the plan was executed.