In Bridgeport, West Virginia, a ground-breaking educational initiative is making waves on a national scale in the battle against Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs). This initiative, the fruit of a collaborative effort between Nursing Education, the Infection Prevention team, and the NPAC Quality & Performance Improvement Committee at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center (UHC), is creatively titled the “Foley Escape Room”. This interactive, simulation-based educational experience is formulated to elevate awareness among nursing staff regarding the risk factors associated with CAUTIs and the best practices for their prevention.
The innovative approach is an enhancement to patient safety education, enabling the nursing staff to internalize the preventive measures effectively, thus improving patient outcomes. Ashley Reynolds, MSN, RN, CV-BC and coordinator for Nurse Education at UHC, regards the approach as a revolutionary one. After experiencing success at UHC, this novel concept was taken to a national platform for nurse educators to trade in ideas. The reception of this model was impressive, attracting 17 health systems across 16 states – including Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Arizona, Nebraska, New York, Wisconsin, Maine, Virginia, Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, Kentucky, Connecticut, and Minnesota.
These systems are now working toward integrating and tweaking the escape room model to satisfy the distinct educational needs of their nursing staff. This considerable response speaks volumes to UHC’s commitment to progressive healthcare education and upholding patient safety on a national level. ‘It’s inspiring to see our local initiative contribute to a national effort to improve patient care,’ said Victoria M Lott, MPH, MLS, CIC, manager of Infection Prevention, at UHC.
Please refer to Matt Chisler, Director of Public Relations at United Hospital Center with contact number 681.342.1611 for further information. UHC emerged as a regional community hospital following the merger between St. Mary’s and Union Protestant hospitals in 1970. It offers an extensive range of services in North Central West Virginia. The hospital, located along I-79 in Bridgeport, opened its new structure comprising containing 292 private inpatient rooms in 2010. UHC houses over 2,613 employees, more than 366 physicians, advanced practice providers, and allied health professionals. Being part of WVU Medicine (West Virginia United Health System), furthers its commitment in promoting improved access to care, a high level of technological integration, and enhanced patient privacy.
Source: https://parsonsadvocate.com/pa-school/nursing-initiative-to-combat-cautis-goes-national/