Date of Degree
Fall 2025
Document Type
DNP Scholarly Project
Academic Department
School of Nursing
Degree Type
Doctoral
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
First Advisor
Brandee Temmis
Second Advisor
Sandra Cleveland
Third Advisor
Cherie Smith
Abstract
Problem: Accurate documentation of female external urinary collection devices (EUCDs), such as the PureWick, is crucial for maintaining continuity of care and ensuring efficient resource utilization. However, inconsistent nursing documentation practices have led to gaps in regulatory compliance and communication among healthcare teams. Baseline data revealed frequent omissions and inaccuracies in female EUCD charting, indicating a significant practice gap that requires targeted improvement.
Aim of the Project: The purpose of the evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to improve nursing documentation accuracy for female EUCDs by implementing structured documentation huddles, thereby enhancing organizational compliance.
Review of the Evidence: A review of the literature revealed that structured communication interventions, including huddles, promote teamwork, accountability, and accuracy in documentation. Evidence supported the integration of real-time, collaborative approaches to documentation improvement, highlighting their effectiveness in addressing omissions and sustaining compliance across care settings.
Project Design: This quality improvement project applied the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model within the framework of the OhioHealth Change Management Model. Weekly multidisciplinary huddles provided structured feedback and continuous evaluation of progress. Iterative cycles enabled the adaptation and optimization of the huddles throughout the implementation period.
Intervention: Structured documentation huddles, guided by Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) strategies, where nurses reviewed documentation metrics, identified barriers, and discussed improvement strategies. Educational reinforcement and visual management boards were used to sustain engagement and accountability.
Significant Findings/Outcomes: Following implementation, documentation accuracy improved significantly across both day and night shifts. Missed documentation occurrences decreased, and compliance with organizational standards increased. The intervention proved to be both low-cost and high impact, with measurable improvements in patient safety, regulatory readiness, and operational efficiency.
Implications for Nursing: This project demonstrates the effectiveness of structured huddles in improving nursing documentation practices. Broader adoption can support nursing accountability, enhance communication, and may contribute to sustained improvements in documentation accuracy and overall patient care delivery.
Recommended Citation
Ealy, Tiffany, "Enhancing Nursing Documentation Accuracy for Female External Urinary Collection Devices Through Structured Documentation Huddles" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Project. 48.
https://fuse.franklin.edu/dnp-project/48
Rights
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