PICO Nursing theory informs nursing practice, and especially evidence-based practice. Theory offers a framework for decision-making and policy. Neuman's systems model provides the perfect theoretical framework with which to conduct my research and inform best practices. My PICO question is as follows: "For hospitalized patients who are susceptible to catheter associated Urinary Tract infection (CAUTI), if nurses and other assistive personnel develop an action plan with a systematic team approach of evidence-based infection control practices, compared to current practices, could it reduce or eliminate incidences of CAUTI?"

Developed by Betty Neuman, Neuman's systems model has a variety of applications in the workplace. Although it is a broad mid-range theory, Neuman's systems model also has specific applications for daily nursing practice. According to Neuman (2011), the systems model "provides a unifying focus for approaching a wide range of international health concerns." One of these concerns regards the correct use of catheters in hospitalized patients. Therefore, Neuman's systems model is an appropriate framework for researching my PICO question and providing suggestions for future research and practice.

One of the reasons why Neuman's systems model is especially applicable to my PICO question is that an open systems framework takes into account the multiple variables at play in catheterization. Environmental variables...

Understanding other variables impacting the system, such as stress and miscommunication, can also prevent infections. Hospital procedures and administrative variables must also be taken into account, in order to reduce CAUTI incidences.
Another reason why Neuman's systems model is particularly important for my PICO question is that catheterization is itself a systematic procedure involving tools and techniques specific and unique to its clinical usage. The particular modes of preventing CAUTI and other infections do have some overlap with other areas (hand washing for example). However, there are system-specific issues that can and must be addressed if nurses are to develop sensible plans of action for prevention in their respective institutions. Viewing catheterization as a system helps nursing staff and administration conceptualize strategic plans of action and practive interventions These interventions are not necessarily medical in nature. Sometimes they involve attending to the communication and humanitarian needs of the patient. Other times the interventions may involve changing the structure of the nursing team, or the relationship of supervisor to staff. It is my goal to research the implications for team building as a systematic factor in preventing CAUTI.

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