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. 

MHA members can log in to the website at the top-right corner of this page to view the CAUTI road map.