Date of Conferral
6-10-2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Melissa Rouse
Abstract
This staff education project focused on enhancing nurses’ knowledge of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance intended to promote screening for UTIs. The practice problem addressed was lack nurses’ knowledge of UTI screening and antibiotic resistance. Inadequate screening contributed to increased UTI rates, re-occurrences, and complications such as delirium. It was essential to address the issue because nurses are at the frontline regarding educating, screening, and providing care to patients with UTIs. Knowledgeable nurses can implement standard practices to ensure adequate screening for UTIs. Effective screening would enhance early treatment and minimize misuse and unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The project answered the PICOT question: Does education about UTI screening, antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic resistance, and poor antibiotic regimen adherence improve nurses' knowledge and intent to screen for UTIs? Nurses also stated their intent to screen for UTI. Some of the analytical strategies were pre- and post-knowledge assessments. A total of 15 registered nurses attended the training in one nursing facility. The average pre-education knowledge score was 65% (SD = 12%), and the average post-education score was 88% (SD = 8%). Knowledge improvement was statistically significant (p < .001, paired t-test). Ninety-three percent of the sample stated intent to increase UTI screening after education. Conclusively, education programs can positively impact social changes by incorporating training for continuous educational development among nurses to ensure the nurturing of a highly skilled workforce, improving management of emerging healthcare implications, and sustaining the nursing practice. Improved screening for UTI impacts care, improving equity and inclusion of all societal members. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing staff development initiatives as a vital strategy for improving patient outcomes and advancing evidence-based nursing practice.
Recommended Citation
Robinson, Shereen, "Staff Education on UTI Screening, Antimicrobial and Antibiotic Resistance, and Poor Regimen Adherence" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17927.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17927
