“SHOW” You Care: An Interdisciplinary Approach to UTI Prevention in Home Healthcare

Vollständiger Abstract

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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, particularly within the older adult population receiving care from home health professionals. Vigilant monitoring of UTIs as well as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and strategic program development to mitigate their incidence have become critical priorities. These types of infections are regarded as an important indicator for assessing the quality of care delivered by home care agencies. This article examines the development and implementation of an interdisciplinary education program aimed at preventing UTIs and CAUTIs among home healthcare patients. Recognizing the heightened risk of infection in individuals requiring catheters and the unique challenges presented in the home health setting, the authors collaborated across nursing, occupational therapy, and wound/ostomy care specialties to create a comprehensive curriculum. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, such as proper catheter care, hand hygiene, early recognition of infection symptoms, and patient/caregiver engagement. Training sessions were tailored to address the diverse backgrounds of home healthcare professionals and patients, ensuring accessibility and practical application in daily routines. Preliminary outcomes suggest improved knowledge retention among staff and enhanced patient safety, with early data indicating a reduction in infection rates. By leveraging expertise from multiple disciplines, the initiative demonstrates how home health agencies can proactively address infection prevention, ultimately improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.