Washington Hospital 2010 Annual Quality Report - (Page 16)

Connecting evidence-based practice to quality outcomes 4.0 Average Catheter Days per Patient 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 as part of our focus on improving care at the beDsiDe, Washington hospital embarKeD on a unique eDucational program for nurses. The goal was to instill new knowledge and a spirit of innovation about quality in our nursing staff. Participants went through evidencebased practice training and collaborated in 10 groups to research questions they had identified about patient care on their units. This program brought quality to life for our nursing staff because, through research, they experienced the direct connection between their actions and improved outcomes for patients. 1.5 March April May June Calendar Year 2009 July 6 West catheter-associated urinary tract infection project Evidence-based literature shows patients who remain on a urinary catheter for less than two days are less likely to develop a urinary tract infection. Nurses on the 6 West Medical/Surgical unit conducted a five-month, scientific study to determine the impact of nursing practice, as well as education and communication with staff and physicians, on catheter days per patient. The project demonstrated that, by diminishing the length of time with a urinary catheter, quality of care improved and patient stays tended to be shorter. In addition, nurses who participated in the project experienced the importance of teamwork and the positive impact of scientific methods and knowledge on real-life nursing practice. Fewer patient days on a urinary catheter The evidence-based nursing project on catheter-associated urinary tract infections resulted in a 52 percent decrease in the number of days patients were on a urinary catheter. Working together to improve patient care Maria Ploscaru, RN, nurse champion, and Rao Sunkavally, MD, physician champion, led the urinary catheter-associated infection project. This successful collaboration gave everyone in the group a greater appreciation for the value of teamwork. 16 

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Washington Hospital 2010 Annual Quality Report

Washington Hospital 2010 Annual Quality Report
Mission Statement
Setting Our Quality Goals
Our Total Commitment
Inspiring Change Through Excellence
Collaborating for Quality and Safety
Promoting Safety
Assuring a Safe Place for Patients
Focusing on Improvement
Cultivating Quality
Advancing Excellence in Nursing
Connecting Evidence-based Practice to Quality Outcomes
Teaming Up for Higher Quality and Greater Efficiency
Learning From Our Patients
Innovation That Builds Quality
Recognized for Quality
Raising the Bar on Quality

Washington Hospital 2010 Annual Quality Report

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