Patient Safety Topic

Infection Prevention — CAUTI

Overview

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Despite evidence that catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and accompanying adverse outcomes can often be prevented, these infections remain among the most predominant healthcare-acquired infections in the United States. Many organizations have adopted the practices advocated in evidence-based guidelines but still struggle with implementation and lack methods for efficient and reliable performance of prevention practices.

 

Articles

 

 

Educational Tools

Hospital Tools

Foley Catheter Removal Protocol (algorithm)
Facilities can use this algorithm to drive the Foley catheter removal process.

Female Foley Performance Checklist
Facilities can use this checklist to check individual or annual assessment of competency for female catheterization.

Male Foley Performance Checklist
Facilities can use this checklist to check individual or annual assessment of competency for male catheterization.

Foley Tracking Sheet
Facilities can use this sheet to track Foley catheter insertion criteria and care.

Foley Utilization Notice
Facilities can use this notice as physician reminder in the medical document to verify criteria for Foley catheter use.

Preventing Urinary Tract Infections Tip Sheet
Facilities can use this tip sheet as an educational handout about prevention of urinary tract infections.

Nursing Home Tools

CAUTI Prevention and Point Prevalence Reference Guide
This reference guide and provided resources can be used to assess urinary catheter maintenance practices to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

CAUTI Point Prevalence Data Collection Tool
Facilities can track and document their data using this tool.

CAUTI Foley Catheter Point Prevalence Audit Spreadsheet
The spreadsheet is available with the CAUTI Prevention and Point Prevalence Reference Guide and includes formulas to summarize data by months and quarters.

Multimedia

Safety Tips for Patients