(Answered) Summary of Clinical Issue

Inchingolo, R., Pasciuto, G., Magnini, D., Cavalletti, M., Scoppettuolo, G., Montemurro, G., … & Richeldi, L. (2019). Educational interventions alone and combined with port protector reduce the rate of central venous catheter infection and colonization in respiratory semi-intensive care unit. BMC infectious diseases, 19(1), 1-10.

Summary of Clinical Issue

Staffing ratios in nursing are numbers determined based on the unit the patient is admitted to. For example, in post-partum cesarean sections the patient ratio could be 1:3 or 1:4 based on the acuity, needs of the patient, and most of the time on the staffing needs of the department. The problem with having the ability to adjust those ratios needs to be considered when basing those ratios off clinical determination and not staffing needs. The use of staffing numbers in nursing is not a regulated or consistent practice when determining the number of patients versus nurse ratios in hospitals. California is the only state in the country to require by law specific number of nurses to patients in every hospital unit. The impact of quality care and positive patient outcomes has been argued and proven that when there are safe staffing ratios there is improved patient outcomes. It is not the only issue that impacts the quality and safety but is one of pros that does when combine with other factors such as patient acuity, skills, length of shift, education, and other factors that could be considered. Patient outcomes and evidence based practice being a priority in healthcare has evolved for the consumer for better outcomes and safe practice with standardization.
PICOT Question:
P: Maternal Child Health patients
I: Staffing ratio for patients
C: Staffing ratios versus no staffing ratios
O: Improvement of outcomes during hospitalization
T: TBD

Sample Answer

Literature Evaluation Table

Student Name:

Summary of Clinical Issue (200-250 words):

One of the biggest challenges in hospitals is reducing the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections, especially catheter-associated infections and surgical site infections. Different strategies have been employed, such as increased adherence to handwashing and the use of bedside checklists. The healthcare professionals support the involvement of family members in the inpatient care processes while others see it as an avenue for infections and thus avoid involving the families in the inpatient care. Nurses perform most of the functions concerning patient care and are thus associated with the activities that may cause or avoid hospital-acquired infections for patients admitted to hospitals. The nurses must apply clinical nursing standards, including wearing masks, gloves, handwashing, and maintaining cleanliness while managing the patients. Not everything is listed in the nursing standards, and thus nurses should have regular training in improving their care quality. Healthcare providers are human and thus are prone to forgetfulness. The importance of education is to remind the healthcare providers, especially nurses, on improving the safety of care. The other role of educational programs is to enhance knowledge to provide safe and effective care for hospitalized patients. This literature review outline will focus on the effectiveness of nurse education and training in reducing the prevalence of hospital-associated infections such as CAUTIs, CLABSIs, and SSIs among patients.

PICOT Question:

For the hospitalized patients, does nurse education and training compared to normal care decrease the rates of hospital acquired infections for six months?

P – Hospitalized Patients

I – Nurse Education and training

C – Normal clinical care with less focus on nurse education

O – Reduced rate of HAIs

T – 6 Months

Literature Table