A collaborative educational initiative developed by a team comprised of Nursing Education, Infection Prevention, and NPAC Quality & Performance Improvement Committee at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center (UHC)—is making a nationwide impact in the fight against Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs).

The "Foley Escape Room" is an interactive, simulation-based experience designed to increase nursing staff awareness of CAUTI risk factors and prevention best practices. "This initiative has been a game-changer in how we approach patient safety education," said Ashley Reynolds, MSN, RN, CV-BC, coordinator Nurse Education, at UHC. "It's an engaging and effective way to ensure nursing staff internalize best practices for CAUTI prevention, leading to better patient outcomes."

Following its successful implementation at UHC, the team shared the innovative concept on a national forum for nurse educators to exchange ideas. The response has been significant, with 17 health systems across 16 states—including Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Arizona, Nebraska, New York, Wisconsin, Maine, Virginia, Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, Kentucky, Connecticut, and Minnesota—personally connecting with the team.

These institutions are now working to adopt and customize the escape room model to meet the specific educational needs of their own nursing staff, demonstrating UHC's commitment to advancing healthcare education and patient safety on a national level. "Seeing health systems across the country adopt our model reinforces the universal need for innovative training solutions," said Victoria M Lott, MPH, MLS, CIC, manager of Infection Prevention, at UHC. "It's inspiring to see our local initiative contribute to a national effort to improve patient care."

Editor's Note: Left photo is of Victoria Lott, while Ashley Reynolds is shown on the right.