Since 2014 only slight improvements have been reported each year. So, what is causing this CAUTI epidemic? Some systemic causes may be:
• Manual CAUTI Inspection
• Lack of Nursing Empowerment
• Not Tracking CAUTI Rates
• Manual Data Reporting & Analysis
Does this mean that the CAUTI rate is the best it can be?
We don't believe so. In fact, we have put together an 8-Step Program that has produced impressive results. Below is an overview.
Use a digital tool to gather preliminary CAUTI data from past and present to establish a baseline.
When senior leadership is engaged, change can occur more swiftly and create a lasting shift in culture.
Research current processes and study industry leaders to form a new policy.
Increase the autonomy of nursing to proactively decrease indwelling catheter utilization.
Encourage physicians to support the new program.
Education should include every nurse, patient care assistant and physician.
Implement the new policy and track its use while also capturing data to analyze process effectiveness.
Analyze the data to ensure improvement and make adjustments where needed.
Download The 8-Step Program to Becoming CAUTI-FREE ebook to put your facility on the path to being CAUTI free!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[1] Elpern, E. R. (2018). Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Adults. CriticalCareNurse, 9-11.
[2] CDC. (2017). Hospital Safety Grade.
[3] CDC. (2018). Urinary Tract Infection (Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection [CAUTI] and Non-Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection [UTI]) and Other Urinary System Infection [USI]) Events. PSC Manual, 7-1 - 717.
[4] CDC. (2017). Hospital Safety Grade.
[5] CDC. (2018). HAI Data and Statistics. CDC and Prevention.