Catheter-associated urinary tract infections
The urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common health
care-associated infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), approximately 75 percent of UTIs are linked to urinary
catheters. The key factor for developing a catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) is length
of time it is used. For every day that a urinary catheter remains in the body,
the risk of CAUTI increases 5 percent. It is estimated that half of the
patients with urinary catheters do not have an appropriate indication for the
device. To prevent CAUTIs, catheters must be used appropriately and removed as
soon as they are no longer needed.
MHA has developed a CAUTI road map outlining evidence-based
recommendations and standards for the development of prevention and quality
improvement programs that align process improvements with outcome data. Road
maps reflect published literature and guidance from relevant professional
organizations and regulatory agencies, as well as identified proven practices.
MHA’s Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Committee provides expert guidance
and oversight to all health care-associated infection road maps.
The CAUTI road map covers the full life cycle of
the urinary catheter and is intended to be used in all patient care areas in
acute care hospitals.