[Using Nursing Digital Technology to Reduce the Rates of Catheter-Associated and Non-Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection].

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & PROBLEMS Urinary tract infection (UTI), the most common type of healthcare-associated infection, may result from negligence of care regardless of the presence or absence of catheterization. The UTI rate in our unit was .069%, which was the highest among all of the wards in the hospital. PURPOSE: This project aimed to reduce the UTI rate to 0.37%. METHODS: In order to achieve this goal, we amended the SOPs and audit table of catheterization, enhanced access to catheterization and perineal-wash-related instructional videos using quick response (QR) codes, encouraged and reminded patients to drink plenty of water, maintained the urinary drainage system free to avoid the growth of bacterial colonies, revised related healthcare education pamphlets and posters, and organized on-the-job training sessions for nursing staff. RESULTS: The UTI rate fell from .069% to 0.030%. Moreover, patients and their families responded well to the QR code method of accessing relevant videos, which enhanced technical knowledge and made the new information easy to learn. CONCLUSIONS: The use of QR code scanning enabled patients and their families to easily and conveniently watch videos on catheterization and perineal washing on demand. Nurses may employ QR codes in health education more frequently in order to provide higher quality nursing care.