Resident performance in complex simulated urinary catheter scenarios

Engineering Photo-Crosslinked Antimicrobial Coating to Tackle Catheter-Associated Infections In Vivo

Microbial colonization on urinary and intravascular catheter surfaces results in steeply rising cases of catheter-associated infections as well as blood stream infections. Currently marketed efforts include impregnation and loading of antimicrobials and antiseptics that leach out into the local environment and inactivate microbes. However, they suffer from uncontrolled release, induction of resistance, and undesired toxicity. Here, in this manuscript, we have developed a photocurable, covalent coating on catheters using quaternary benzophenone-based amide (QSM-1). The coating was found to be active against drug-resistant bacteria and fungi. The coating inactivated stationary and persister cells of superbug MRSA and inhibited the formation of biofilms with retained activity against broad-spectrum bacteria when challenged in realistic urinary conditions. The coating was seen to be biocompatible in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, the coated catheters showed reduced fouling and >99.9% reduction in bacterial burden when implanted in vivo in a mice model of subcutaneous implantation. We conceive the possibility of application of QSM-1-coated catheters in the healthcare settings to tackle the notorious catheter-associated nosocomial infections.

Implementation and Assessment of a Urology Education Curriculum for Nursing Residents

BACKGROUND

Urethral catheter placement is a common hospital procedure, and the urology service is often consulted for difficult catheterizations. Simulation-based education is used to improve procedural proficiency and could be used to increase confidence and comfort with difficult catheter placement. This study provides simulation-based education to help new nursing residents learn to perform independent Foley catheter placement and maintenance.

METHOD

All incoming nursing residents at our institution prospectively participated in this curriculum beginning in January 2020 (n = 291). Participants watched an instructional video and participated in a hands-on simulation.

RESULTS

Nursing trainees rated pre- to post-curriculum gains in content knowledge (p < .001) and confidence (p < .001). Participants reported that the curriculum increased their understanding of the procedure (p < .001) and that they would recommend it to peers (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

This educational initiative is a partnership between the Department of Urology and Department of Nursing to introduce and reinforce best practices for the care of patients who need Foley catheter placement and maintenance. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(11):511-516.].