Capstone Project: Preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in a Critical Care Setting 1. Project Goals:

Capstone Project: Preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in a Critical Care Setting 1. Project Goals:

Capstone Project: Preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in a Critical Care Setting

1. Project Goals:

The primary goal of this capstone project is to prevent urinary tract infections (UTI) in a critical care setting, where patients are at a significantly higher risk for infections due to immobility, catheter use, weakened immune systems, and prolonged hospital stays. The project will aim to improve patient outcomes by reducing the incidence of UTIs through evidence-based practices, educational interventions, and proactive care protocols.

Specific Goals:

1. Reduce UTI Incidence Rates: Implement a targeted intervention to reduce the number of UTIs among critical care patients.

2. Improve Healthcare Provider Education: Educate nurses, physicians, and other healthcare providers about best practices for preventing UTIs, especially in high-risk critical care environments.

3. Enhance Hygiene and Catheter Care Protocols: Establish and reinforce protocols to improve hygiene practices and proper catheter care, which are common factors contributing to UTIs in critical care units.

4. Monitor and Evaluate Outcomes: Regularly assess UTI rates pre- and post-intervention and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies.

5. Empower Patients and Families: Provide patient education on preventive measures to reduce UTI risk, including catheter care, hydration, and recognizing early signs of infection.

2. Content Outline:

1. Introduction:

   • Overview of UTIs in critical care settings.

   • Importance of preventing UTIs in high-risk environments.

   • Purpose of the capstone project and how it will contribute to the improvement of patient care.

2. Background and Literature Review:

   • Detailed analysis of current UTI prevention practices in critical care units.

   • Review of research related to catheter-associated UTIs, infection control strategies, and the effectiveness of prevention protocols.

   • Key terms and definitions (e.g., UTI, catheter-associated UTI, infection prevention, critical care, immune response).

3. Goals and Objectives:

   • Clear presentation of project goals.

   • Explanation of specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives.

4. Methodology:

   • Intervention Strategy: Discussion of proposed interventions, including education programs, hygiene protocols, and catheter care protocols.

   • Data Collection and Evaluation: Outline of how outcomes will be measured (e.g., UTI rates, patient and staff feedback).

5. Discussion and Analysis:

   • Evaluation of challenges and barriers to UTI prevention in critical care settings.

   • Anticipated impact of the intervention on patient care, quality of life, and hospital costs.

   • Future research directions and opportunities for improving infection prevention in critical care.

6. Conclusion:

   • Summary of project goals and anticipated outcomes.

   • Implications for healthcare practice and policy.

   • Recommendations for ongoing education and protocol updates.

3. Strategies for Critique and Input:

1. Peer Review:
   Share the first draft with colleagues for feedback, specifically focusing on the clarity of project goals, effectiveness of the intervention strategies, and feasibility of the implementation plan. Use colleagues' input to refine the scope of the project and make adjustments based on their suggestions.

2. Incorporating Evidence:
   Integrate relevant evidence-based practices and