Eliminating Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections: Part I. Avoid Catheter Use

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 14 Jun 2010 - 1:00 PDT


UroToday.com - This article is the first in a two-part series focusing on catheter-associated urinary tract infections. There is a convergence of factors necessitating zero tolerance toward catheter-associated urinary tract infections, including the risks associated with patient safety and to a lesser extent the changes in reimbursement. Part I of this series focuses on the most significant modifiable risk factor, avoiding use of urethral catheters.

A quality improvement case study is highlighted along with a practice bundle for evidence-based practice. Part II focuses on the second most significant risk factor, reducing urethral catheter-days.

We also developed a daily care bundle as well as an insertion bundle to ensure that best practices are being followed. These bundles include whether or not hand hygiene is performed, whether aseptic technique is followed, whether the catheter is secured, whether the bag is overfilled, whether the seal is intact, whether the bag or tubing is touching the floor and whether or not catheter care with soap and water has been performed.

Written by Brenda Helms RN, BSN, MBA/HCM as part of Beyond the Abstract on UroToday.com. This initiative offers a method of publishing for the professional urology community. Authors are given an opportunity to expand on the circumstances, limitations, etc., of their research by referencing the published abstract.

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