A Foley catheter is used to monitor and manage acutely ill patients in our intensive care unit (ICU) where urinary tract infection (UTI) rates are measured per catheter days. Securing the Foley and keeping it secured presented a challenge to the nursing staff. A new innovative device (StatLock*) uses an adhesive swivel base and a pushbutton retainer to secure the Foley.

Objectives:
Increase nursing knowledge and compliance with securing the Foley in the ICU patient. Facilitate education regarding rationale for securing the Foley, interventions to reduce UTI rates, prevention of urethral trauma and avoidance of pain to the patient.

Problem:
Weekly surveys over one month conducted by the WOC nurse revealed 90% noncompliance with securing the Foley catheter. Barriers included poor adherence and frequent soilage of previously used device. The UTI rate had increased to 5.3 per catheter days.

Solution:
To address educational needs of the nursing staff, the WOC nurse attended staff meetings and presented educational material regarding nursing  management of Foley catheters, dislodgement of biofilm with shear forces, and complications of catheter migration; discussed use of the new Foley securing device, its application and removal technique. A “potty poster” and individual handouts were handed out to support teaching and provide reference information.
Outcomes:
The nurses liked the new securing device, reported better adhesion to the skin, longer wear time, less soilage and easy clean up of the device. Compliance to secure the Foley increased to 100% one month after in-service and introduction of the new device. The UTI rate for the next quarter decreased to 0 per catheter days. Patients reported less pain with movement, an observation supported by our Physical therapists during transfer and mobility therapy sessions.

Product Notation: *StatLock^® Foley Stabilization Device is manufactured by Bard^® Medical, a division of C. R. Bard, Inc. “NYSE:BCR” based in Covington, GA. USA