Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Marilyn Losty

Abstract

AbstractHealthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) are complications of healthcare linked to increased mortality, morbidity, and length of stay. Assiduous surveillance and constant reeducation can decrease HAI incidence and reduce the healthcare burden caused by these events. Evidence has demonstrated that using 2% chlorhexidine wipes instead of bathing with soap and water greatly reduces the bacteria on the skin and prevents infections such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections and central line-associated bloodstream infections. The practice-focused question for this quality assurance doctoral project was to evaluate if an educational intervention improved compliance of chlorhexidine wipe use among ICU nurses with the hope of improving HAIs over 3 months. Information processing theory helped produce educational interventions for staff while preparing to implement the project. The quality health outcomes model was used as a basis for the project, and findings showed a significant increase in compliance with chlorhexidine gluconate bathing after reeducating staff (z = -1.96, p < 0.05). While the results of the quality improvement educational project showed a significant spike in compliance following the educational intervention, the number of documented chlorhexidine gluconate baths decreased with time. This decrease in compliance supports the notion that education should be ongoing and surveillance closely monitored to avoid downward trends. Future projects addressing these important issues should continue and stakeholders need more involvement to maximize sustainability. HAIs have a significant effect on the hospital, staff, and the community it serves; continued surveillance must be a part of further studies of infection control.

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