Analyzing the Management Theories

Management Theory and Associated Urinary Tract Infections

Infection of the urinary tract constitutes a great share of all infections acquired in hospitals (Klevens, Edwards, & Richards, 2007); of these, most cases are of CAUTI or catheter-associated urinary tract infection, which is "reasonably preventable," according to the CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). CMS doesn't reimburse medical facilities for this disease any more. Of the best strategies to reduce CAUTI is ensuring never to employ urinary catheters unless one perceives an appropriate symptom.

Several research works, some even dating back many decades, can be found, of ways to decrease or prevent the development of CAUTI. Over the years, a few of the recommendations have reformed; for instance, at one time, routine catheter irrigation was recommended; however, presently, the medical profession deems it as a practice that must be avoided. Therefore, it is imperative for healthcare organizations to make sure their methods, educational matter, and policies, remain in line with the latest evidence-based, recommended policies and procedures. Four care elements are recommended, to lower/prevent CAUTI cases:

1. Do not utilize urinary catheters until necessary.

2. Use aseptic technique for inserting urinary catheters.

3. Urinary catheter maintenance should be done on the basis of recommended guidelines.

4. The need for urinary catheters must be reviewed every day, and removed without delay.

Putting the above 4 elements into practice calls for a multidisciplinary plan, which involves doctors, leaders, nurses, and specialists in urological care and infection prevention (IHCI, 2011).

Human Relations Theories- Behavioral

The theories complement the multidisciplinary strategy for catheter removal, thereby lowering urinary infection risks. Chester Barnard, Douglas McGregor, and Elton Mayo assert via their research observations that entrepreneurs can accomplish their respective productivity targets if they developed humane organizations and workplace atmospheres for employees, reflecting their needs. That is, managers need to focus on fostering a workplace environment, which recognizes employees' individual and job-related needs, and refrains from treating them in an inhumane manner, or as a mere 'part' of the organizational 'machinery'.

These theories' key characteristics include:

1. Focus on improving efficiency of employees by a consideration of their needs. Their job tasks must be rewarding and interesting. Employees must be offered training, which enables multi-skilling and career path charting. Employee contribution to the organization must also be recognized.

1. Management is concerned with leadership, employee motivation, and organizational communication.

1. Team based

1. Workers aren't strictly supervised; rather, they are made responsible and accountable for whatever they do

1. Shorter command chain (Nixon, 2003).

ABCD Approach

Intervention packages also form a key strategy, under multi-modal approaches, which concentrate their efforts on interventions that result in high productivity. For instance, the ABCDE strategy is one approach that covers many elements from the MHA (Michigan Health and Hospital Association) Keystone Center for Patient Safety & Quality's "Bladder Bundle":

1. Adherence to the general norms of infection control is vital (i.e., hand hygiene, aseptic insertion, education, feedback and surveillance, and proper maintenance,).

1. Bladder ultrasound can aid in indwelling catheterization avoidance.

1. Condom catheters, intermittent catheterization and other such alternative options to indwelling catheters must be taken into consideration for appropriate patients.

1. Don't utilize indwelling catheters until absolutely unavoidable.

1. Early catheter removal via a nurse-instigated protocol for removal, or a reminder, seems to be reasonable (Saint, Olmsted, & Fakih, 2009).