Case Study on Qualitative Assessment

QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT STUDY 1
A critical review of Qualitative study on Catheter-Associated Urinary Infection Prevention
Binu Dominic
Grand Canyon University: NRS-433V-O500

QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT STUDY 2
Introduction
Catheter-associated infections affecting the urinary tract as observed are crucial
healthcare-related factors affecting the quality of care in health care institutions as reported
by various health organizations. The statistics displayed by this infection signify the extent of
the disease to the patients and the general health care system. Based on statistics by CDC is
observed that there are an estimated 13,000 deaths in the USA. Majority of these involve
inpatient stays. There is a need for preventing measures to curb the rise of this state and
promote safe health exposure both at the hospital and at home. There is a need for appropriate
adoption of measures which are imperative in the prevention of the rise of these cases.
Utilization of prevention strategies is essential for managing catheter-related urinary
infections. This review assesses two qualitative studies which can be employed by nurses
towards management and prevention of catheter-related infections.
Study 1
Fasugba, O., Cheng, A. C., Russo, P. L., Northcote, M., Rosebrock, H., & Mitchell, B. G.
(2018). Reducing urinary catheter use: A protocol for a mixed-methods evaluation of an
electronic reminder system in hospitalized patients in Australia. BMJ Open.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020469
Background of the study
The study above highlights the rise of catheter-related infections which have remained to
be problematic in the health care setting. Urinary tract infections are prevalent in health care
institutions most of them are related to urinary catheters. These exposed risks are
exacerbating the risk of morbidity and mortality and increased the length of stay at the
hospital. The rise of catheter-related infections further increases the cost of health care among
the patients raising the cost of health care quality access. This study objective sought to
assess the efficacy of an electronic reminder system, in the reduction of the urinary catheter
device and to determine whether two avenues CATH TAG affects a nurse’s ability to offer
patient care.
Methodology applied
This study adopted two mixed methods approaches which are both quantitative and

QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT STUDY 3
qualitative data collection. In the quantitative approach the study, stepped-wedge randomized
controlled design was adopted which offers cluster formation provided before and after
observations. The clusters used are the hospital setups are the wards. The designs entail
baseline assessment with no intervention being administered to the wards. Thereafter, wards
will be crossed over to be included in the intervention groups. Random sequential allocation
will be employed. The study is designed in a manner in which each ward at the hospital acts
on its control which managers the confounding factors arising. Qualitative data was obtained
using survey months after 6 months of the study among the nurses. Further, the focus group
discussion was undertaken among the nurses to assess the techniques being assessed.
Results of the study
The intervention being assessed by the study entails CATH TAG, which is an electronic
device attached on the catheter bag. The tag is an electronic reminder of when the nurses are
required to change the catheter on periodic intervals. This serves as a reminder device for the
nurses to change the catheter thus reducing the occurrence of infection. This study is a
protocol undergoing trial and results are not yet.
Ethical aspects
The study acknowledges that there might be harms and risks associated with the project.
These instances will be reported to the relevant human research ethics committee. Future,
auditing will be undertaken consistent with the ethical guidelines available. Further, to
safeguard the data, chief investigator and co-investigators will have the authority to access
the data collected. Informed consent will be obtained from the participants in both data
collection avenues and withdrawal at any period of the study will be guaranteed.
Conclusion
The use of urinary catheters plays a crucial role in overall patient management. Prolong
use of these devices often increases risks of infections among the patients. Thus it is
paramount for this study to investigate the use of CATH TAG in reducing urinary tract
infections in hospitalized patients. Studies have indicated that the use of reminder systems
among the health care staff is vital in offering appropriate care (Meddings et al., 2014). Meta
analysis reviews have been undertaken and results have shown improved reduced rates of
catheter related infections, (Meddings et al., 2010).