Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice

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Recommended: Introduction to the importance of nursing theories

Nursing theories are the support of nursing practice nowadays. Application of nursing theory into practice has significant impact on improving quality of patient care and overall healthcare outcomes. In particular, a practice theory called Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle (PDSA), developed by W. Edwards Deming, can be applied to improve processes in healthcare settings. According to Varkey, Relle, & Resar (2007), this theory “involves trial-and-learning approach in which a hypothesis or suggested solution for improvement is made and testing is carried out on a small scale before any changes are made to the whole system” (p. 736). Healthcare processes need to be constantly evaluated based on evidenced-based-practice for quality improvement and better patient outcomes. Nursing leaders have significant impact on quality management and empowering employees to seek process improvement.
In my paper, I will discuss application of PDSA cycle in quality improvement to decrease catheter-associated-urinary-tract-infections (CAUTIs) among elderly patients. Gained knowledge will help with identification of strategy to reduce the number of CAUTIs in acute care settings. Furthermore, staff will be empowered to improve the delivery of care to this population and management will revise existing policies and procedures to provide standards for improved practice. Overall, reduction in the occurrence of CAUTIs will result in higher quality management and better patient outcomes.
Catheter-Associated-Urinary-Tract-Infections
During hospitalization for other conditions within ones health, healthcare-associated-infections (HAIs) develop. According to Stone (2009), they are the fifth leading cause of death in United States acute-care facilities. Most com...

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...s among healthcare workers in nursing homes. Journal Of The American Geriatrics Society, 58(8), 1532-1537. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2010.02964.x
Sedor, J., & Mulholland, S. (1999). Hospital acquired urinary track infections associated with the indwelling catheter. Urology Clinic of North America, 26(4), 821-828.
Stone, P. (2009). Economic burden of healthcare-associated infections: an American perspective. Expert Review Of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research, 9(5), 417-422. doi:10.1586/erp.09.53
Sundvall, P., Ulleryd, P., & Gunnarsson, R. (2011). Urine culture doubtful in determining etiology of diffuse symptoms among elderly individuals: a cross-sectional study of 32 nursing homes. BMC Family Practice, 1236. doi:10.1186/1471-2296-12-36
Varkey, P., Reller, M., & Resar, R. (2007). Basics of quality improvement in health care. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 82(6), 735-739.

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