External Catheters and Reducing Adverse Effects in Female Inpatients

A literature review was performed between the months of August 2018 to December 2018 on ways to decrease unnecessary usage of Foley catheters. Ten articles were reviewed focusing on bed-bound, incontinent women. Research was performed for Spencer Hospital looking at the various ways to decrease the usage, decrease catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI’s), and decrease skin breakdown from incontinence. Through the research, it was found that a large proportion of catheters are used when they are unnecessary. Indwelling catheters present a large risk for CAUTI’s, or if there is not one used, then the risk for skin breakdown from incontinence is high. Results found the use of a physician reminder system helps to keep track of the usage of indwelling catheters and prevents them from being left in too long. A daily reminder system for bedside nurses is also recommended by the research. The literature review also found the use of PureWick External Female Catheters to be implemented in incontinent, bed-bound women. Research proves these devices provide more comfort, better sleep, less skin breakdown, and less CAUTI’s. In addition, these have proven to help in the healing process for women to regain control of their bladder. Keywords: urinary tract infection, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence, indwelling catheters, straight-catheters, external female catheters, decubitus ulcers, skin breakdown, and bed-bound females, PureWic

Addressing Childhood Vaccination Hesitancy

A literature review was done between the time of September 2019 to November 2019 to identify interventions healthcare providers can use to acknowledge and address parents who are vaccine hesitant. Ten articles were selected by researchers for review focusing on parents with children who are younger than two years old. Methods were developed to address education for vaccine hesitant parents by healthcare providers, specifically for Promise Community Health Center in Sioux Center, Iowa. Outcomes of this study placed the importance of trust in the healthcare provider, focusing on the dangers of not vaccinating, and the use of visual aids in education. Literature showed that by using these methods to address hesitancy, vaccination intent would increase