Reducing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: An Intervention Study

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The topic that I chose is interventions used to reduce catheter associated urinary tract infections(CAUTI). This type of infection is acquired from the use of urinary catheter while in the hospital. According to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, urinary tract infections are responsible for 40 percent of all hospital-acquired infections annually, with 80% of these hospital acquired infection caused by use of indwelling urinary catheters. When any type of tubes or catheters are introduced in the body it serves as a medium for infection. Urinary catheters are used during surgery to prevent injury to the bladder. It is also used for urinary retention or bladder obstruction. The implementation of evidenced based practice when providing care
2013). Inappropriate use of urinary catheter in patients as stated by the CDC includes patients with incontinence, obtaining urine for culture, or other diagnostic tests when the patient can voluntarily void, and prolonged use after surgery without proper indications. Strategies used focused on initiating restrictions on catheter placement. Development of protocols that restrict catheter placement can serve as a constant reminder for providers about the correct use of catheters and provide alternatives to indwelling catheter use (Meddings et al. 2013). Alternatives to indwelling catheter includes condom catheter, or intermittent straight catheterization. One of the protocols used in this study are urinary retention protocols. This protocol integrates the use of a portable bladder ultrasound to verify urinary retention prior to catheterization. In addition, it recommends using intermittent catheterization to solve temporary issues rather than using indwelling catheters. Indwelling catheters are usually in for a longer period. As a result of that, patients are more at risk of developing infections. Use of portable bladder ultrasound will help to prevent unnecessary use of indwelling catheters; therefore, preventing

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