Catheter Associated Urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are one of the most common healthcare-associated infections resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, length of hospital-stay and healthcare costs. The most important risk factor for developing a CAUTI is prolonged use of indwelling urinary catheter. The best way to prevent a CAUTI is to avoid placing an indwelling urinary catheter whenever possible.
We implemented evidence-based practices in accordance with CDC guidelines to reduce the incidence of CAUTIs. Our strategies included:
To reduce CAUTI rate at RUMC, we adopted a multidisciplinary approach utilizing PDCA model and CDC Guidelines. As a result of the corrective actions undertaken, we reduced our catheter use by 45.3% and CAUTI rate by 77.55% which resulted in our SIR to drop from 2.084 in 2016 to below 1.0 (National Average) in 2017 and 2018. We will continue to implement new practices to move our institution closer to its goal of “zero” CAUTIs.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Infection Control team, all the Nurses and Nurse Managers, Residents, and Attending Physicians, IT and Pharmacy departments who helped us in reducing CAUTI rate significantly.
Bell MM, Finch C, et al. “A Multidisciplinary Intervention to Prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections Using Education, Continuum of care, and System wide Buy-In.” Ochsner J. 2016 Spring 16(2): 96–100.
Gould CV, et al and HICPAC. Guideline for prevention of catheter–associated urinary tract infections. CDC. 2009.
Lo E, et al. Strategies to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections in acute care hospitals: 2014 update. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology 2014; 35: 464–79.