What is CAUTI?
- Catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)
- Most commonly reported hospital-acquired infection (HAI)
- Estimated more than 560,000 per year
- Most prevalent with indwelling catheters and incidence rises the longer catheter is in place
Why is CAUTI Prevention Important?
- CAUTI contributes to extended hospital stays, increased health care costs, and patient morbidity and mortality (ANA, 2015)
- HAIs threaten patient safety and cost an estimated $33 billion in health care spending (ANA, 2015)
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Partnership for Patients (PfP) report CAUTI to be on the rise
How is CAUTI Prevented?
Evidence-based best practices (ANA, 2015):
- Determine if indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) is appropriate per CDC guidelines (CDC, 2009)
- Select smallest appropriate IUC
- Obtain assistance PRN to facilitate appropriate visualization/insertion technique
- Hand hygiene before and after catheter insertion or manipulation
- Perform peri-care and then re-perform hand hygiene
- Maintain strict aseptic technique throughout IUC insertion; re-perform hand hygiene upon completion
- Insert IUC to appropriate length and check urine flow before balloon inflation to prevent urethral trauma
- Inflate IUC balloon correctly
- Perform Triple Action for IUC/Drainage System
Other evidence-based practice recommendations:
- Use urinary catheters only when necessary and for shortest time possible
- Assess catheter use at least daily and remove as soon as possible
- Ensure only properly trained individuals are responsible for insertion and maintenance of catheters
- Empty collection bag regularly using separate container for each patient
- Utilize reminders to remove unnecessary catheters
- Implemen guidelines/protocols for nurse-initiated removal of unnecessary catheters
- Provide education and performance feedback to staff regarding appropriate use of catheters, hand hygiene, and catheter care
References & Resources
