Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Reduction of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Medical/Surgical Patients

In the fourth quarter of 2009, Lutheran Medical Center conducted a pilot study on three medical/surgical units and determined that its baseline rate for catheter-associated urinary tract infections was 14.1 per 1,000 catheter days. The national benchmark for medical/surgical units is 4.9. The goal for 2010 was to achieve zero infections. An interdisciplinary team developed appropriate indications and documentation standards for indwelling catheters based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines. Direct care providers were educated regarding techniques for catheter insertion, maintenance, and removal; complications; and alternatives for urinary catheterization. Patient transporters were educated regarding proper placement of the drainage bag. All policies and procedures were updated. Documentation was standardized. The continued need for urinary catheters was addressed every day at interdisciplinary team rounds.