The proposed objectives for this capstone change project are as follows:
To increase the knowledge levels of nurses in regards to bowel and urinary incontinence prevention and care in ICU.
Although the existing number of cases suggests that nurses are well-acquainted with the clinical problem, research shows a gross underestimation of its effects on the patient and the healthcare system in general (Aguiar & Franco, 2018). Levels of practical and theoretical knowledge in regards to incontinence are also low.
To prevent the development of bowel and urinary incontinence in ICU patients.
Incontinence is associated with numerous hospital-acquired infections as well as psychological issues (Danielis et al., 2020). It also reduces patient autonomy and requires valuable nursing time to treat and contain.
To improve the existing strategies towards bowel and urinary incontinence from reactive to proactive.
In the majority of nursing wards, patients with incontinence are only assisted in managing the symptoms of the problem. Treatment and prevention are both more desirable and economically efficient (Danielis et al., 2020).
The proposed research and objective advocate both for the autonomy and social justice for individuals and diverse populations. The autonomy is achieved by preventing incontinence from appearing and increasing the speed and effectiveness of its treatment in the early stages (Danielis et al., 2020). Doing so would allow patients to be in control of their own bowel movements, preventing the necessity of relying on nurses in the ICU for hygienic purposes. Social justice is achieved by providing an equal standard of treatment to all patients regardless of their race, gender, sexuality, or social standing. Since the proposed solutions of education, prevention, and effectiveness are much cheaper than the long-term treatments performed with a lack of competence, more people would be readily available to receive proper care (Danielis et al., 2020).
References
Aguiar, L. M., & Franco, I. (2018). Bladder bowel dysfunction. Urologic Clinics, 45(4), 633-640.
Danielis, M., Palese, A., Terzoni, S., & Destrebecq, A. L. L. (2020). What nursing-sensitive outcomes have been studied to-date among patients cared for in intensive care units? Findings from a scoping review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 102, 103491.