The burden of Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection by Candida albicans and Candida non albicans with emphasis on biofilm formation and antifungal sensitivity pattern

Project Officer:

1. Project PI: Dr. Anjali Singh, Associate Professor, Microbiology Ramnath Prasad Institute of Higher Education Foundation

2. Co-PI:- Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Research Scholar, Ramnath Prasad Institute of Higher Education Foundation ,

3. Co-PI:- Dr. Rajdeep Paul, Research Scholar, Ramnath Prasad Institute of Higher Education Foundation

   
   

Project Cost: 37000/-

Location:- Near NH 527D Village Area, East Champaran, Bihar

Project Duration: 12 Months

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Introduction:

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) represent a significant and preventable healthcare challenge, particularly within hospital and long-term care settings. The research article, "The burden of Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection by Candida albicans and Candida non albicans with emphasis on biofilm formation and antifungal sensitivity pattern," highlights a critical issue: the high incidence of CAUTI among catheterized patients and the role of microorganisms like Candida species in forming resistant biofilms. This problem leads to increased patient morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs.

In alignment with our corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment to public health and community well-being, we propose the "CAUTI-Free Community" Initiative. This project is a proactive, multi-pronged effort designed to leverage the insights from modern microbiology research to create a tangible, positive impact on local healthcare institutions and the broader community. The initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of CAUTI through targeted education, hands-on training, and the establishment of best practices in catheter care. By focusing on a single, high-impact healthcare problem, we can demonstrate a measurable improvement in patient outcomes, reinforce our role as a responsible corporate citizen, and build lasting partnerships with key community stakeholders.

Project Goals and Objectives:

The primary goal of the "CAUTI-Free Community" Initiative is to reduce the incidence of CAUTI by at least 25% within our partner healthcare facilities over a one-year period.

To achieve this goal, the project will pursue the following specific objectives:

1. Develop a Comprehensive Education Program: Create and implement a standardized training curriculum on proper urinary catheter insertion, maintenance, and removal for healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, and technicians). This program will be based on the latest guidelines from international health organizations and will specifically incorporate the findings on biofilm formation and Candida species, as detailed in the referenced research.

2. Provide Practical Tools and Resources: Supply our partner facilities with essential materials to support best practices, including sterile catheter insertion kits, evidence-based care checklists, and educational posters. These resources will serve as constant reminders and practical guides for frontline healthcare staff.

3. Establish a CAUTI Surveillance and Reporting System: Work with participating hospitals to implement a robust system for tracking CAUTI rates. This will allow for real-time monitoring of our intervention's effectiveness, enabling us to make data-driven adjustments to the program.

4. Launch a Community Awareness Campaign: Develop and distribute public-facing educational materials to inform patients and their families about the risks of CAUTI, the importance of proper hygiene, and the need to question the necessity and duration of catheterization.

Project Methodology and Phases:

The project will be executed in three key phases over a 12-month timeline:

Phase 1: Planning and Curriculum Development (Months 1-3)

• Partnership Building: Formally partner with two local hospitals and a long-term care facility to serve as our initial pilot sites.

• Expert Consultation: Convene a panel of experts, including infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, and nursing educators, to review the research paper and inform the content of our educational curriculum. The curriculum will specifically emphasize the findings that:

  • Candida albicans and non-albicans are major causative agents.

  • Biofilm formation on catheters is a primary driver of resistance.

  • The duration of catheterization is a statistically significant risk factor.

• Material Creation: Design and produce all training materials, including presentations, videos, and printed checklists for use by our partners.

Phase 2: Implementation and Training (Months 4-9)

• "Train-the-Trainer" Model: Conduct a series of intensive workshops for a core group of nurses and infection control specialists at each partner facility. These individuals will then be responsible for training their respective teams.

• On-Site Support: Deploy a dedicated project coordinator to each site to provide on-demand support, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure consistent application of the new protocols.

• Public Outreach: Launch the community awareness campaign through local health fairs, social media, and informational brochures in hospital waiting rooms.

Phase 3: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (Months 10-12)

• Data Collection: Collect monthly data on CAUTI rates from our partner facilities using the newly implemented surveillance system.

• Impact Analysis: Analyze the data to determine the project's impact, comparing pre-intervention CAUTI rates to post-intervention rates.

• Final Report: Produce a comprehensive report detailing the project's achievements, lessons learned, and recommendations for future expansion. The report will be shared with the community and key stakeholders, highlighting the tangible benefits of the initiative.

Measurable Outcomes:

Success will be measured by the following key performance indicators:

• A documented reduction of at least 25% in CAUTI incidence across participating facilities.

• 100% of frontline staff at partner sites successfully completing the training program.

• A measurable increase in adherence to best-practice catheter care protocols (e.g., proper hygiene, timely removal) through audit checklists.

• Positive feedback from healthcare professionals and patients on the effectiveness and utility of the program.

Budget and Resources:

A detailed budget will be allocated for expert fees, material production, training workshops, and personnel (project coordinator). We will also leverage our internal resources for marketing and public relations to maximize the project's reach.

Conclusion:

The "CAUTI-Free Community" Initiative is a powerful and impactful CSR project that directly addresses a critical healthcare issue identified in the provided research. By transforming academic knowledge into practical, community-level action, we can make a meaningful difference in patient safety and well-being. This project not only aligns with our values but also demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to social responsibility, establishing our company as a leader committed to improving health outcomes in the communities we serve.