Reduction of Catheter-Associated Infections in the Inpatient Population

Abstract

Abstract

The utilization of indwelling urinary catheters in hospitalized patients poses a risk of the development of complications, including catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI’s). These infections contribute to longer hospital stays, greater medical costs, and increased mortality rates. Studies, including before and after evaluations and RCT’s, have demonstrated that the use of catheter specific guidelines will decrease catheter use and duration, outline proper hygiene, and minimize CAUTI’s. The purpose of this evidence-based research is to emphasize that utilization of these strategies decreases incidence of CAUTI’s. The data was tracked before and after implementing these protocols, and there was a significant decrease in the rate of CAUTI’s amongst inpatient hospital stays. Recommendations are to utilize these relatively simple catheter insertion and care guidelines to decrease CAUTI incidence in the inpatient population as a whole.