Integrating a Virtual Reality Experience into Foley Catheter Insertion Practices

Session Description: Our 810-bed acute care teaching facility and trauma center faced an increase in catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Investigation revealed the event dates were less than 7 days after insertion prompting an assessment of insertion techniques. Analysis of data guided us to identifying specific units with high utilization of foley catheters (FCs), high infection rates, and infections related to insertion practices.
Hands-on learning not only helps reinforce skills and improve knowledge retention but is also a preferred way to learn. The infection prevention department partnered with our urinary catheter vendor to plan a virtual reality insertion skills day, designed to improve staff competency. With buy in from leadership, the prevention department chose units with the highest CAUTI numbers. The vendor brought two sets of virtual reality goggles which projected a foley insertion module. Participants were provided a tutorial on the use of the equipment followed by a step-by-step activity on foley catheter insertion. This step-by-step process mirrored the facility’s policy on insertion and was standardized with the kits utilized for patient care.
To make the learning experience fully immersive in CAUTI prevention, we collaborated with the nursing education department who created an interactive escape room that occurred simultaneously with our virtual experience. This escape room focused on compliance of the nurse driven protocol for urinary catheter removal and maintenance of indwelling catheters.
After the two activities, a post survey was given to participating members. Fourteen participants responded and overall, the feedback was positive. Thirteen of the responses rated this as a beneficial experience and would want more opportunities like this in the future. Nursing leadership attended the experience and was impressed with the engagement of staff. This activity in conjunction with other CAUTI reduction plans has brought awareness to the importance of proper foley insertion and maintenance techniques.

Gina Behnke

Infection Prevention RN, Atlantic Health System

Gina Behnke, BSN, RN, CIC is an Infection preventionist with experience in the acute care setting. Her roles have included care of patients with complex cardiac conditions. After battling COVID-19 on the front lines during the pandemic, she pursued a role in epidemiology. She is currently CIC certified and has been in Infection Prevention for over five years. She is currently working toward earning her Master's degree in Nursing Administration. She also serves on the Northern New Jersey APIC board as Webmaster/ Corresponding Secretary.

Kelly D'Aries

Infection Preventionist, Morristown Medical Center

Kelly D’Aries, MSN, RN, MEDSURG- BC, CIC. Is an Infection preventionist with experience in the acute care setting. Her roles have included care of patients with complex pulmonary conditions. After battling COVID on the front lines during the COVID pandemic she pursued a role in epidemiology. Currently certified in Medical/Surgical nursing as well as having her CIC, and she also obtained her MSN in Nursing Administration at Ramapo College. She also serves on the nominating committee for the Northern New Jersey APIC Chapter.

Nancy Christy

Manager, Infection Prevention and Control, Baptist Health Louisville

Nancy Christy, MT, MSHA, CIC, is the Manager of Infection Prevention and Control at Baptist Health Louisville in Kentucky. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Florida State University and completed her Medical Technology training through the U.S. Navy. Ms. Christy worked in Microbiology for 11 years before transitioning to Infection Prevention, after earning a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has more than 21 years of experience in Infection Prevention and has been board certified since 2007. Her career has spanned both university-affiliated and community acute care settings. At the national level, Ms. Christy serves as Vice Abstract Chair for the APIC National Conference Committee. She is also an Associate Editor for an APIC textbook and has collaborated with the SHEA Learning CE Committee to develop educational webinars, as well as the Prevention CHKC course.