Engaging health care workers to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infection and avert patient harm

Am J Infect Control. 2014 Oct;42(10 Suppl):S223-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2014.03.355.

Abstract

Preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) remains a significant challenge for US hospitals. The "On the CUSP: Stop CAUTI" initiative represents the single largest national effort (involving >950 hospitals) to mitigate urinary catheter risk. The program brings together key organizations to assist state hospital associations and hospitals by providing education and coaching support, addressing both the technical aspects of preventing CAUTI and CAUTI-specific socio-adaptive challenges. At the local level, engaging health care workers, from physicians and nurses to other ancillary services, is critical. This includes (1) making the importance of addressing CAUTI stakeholder specific, (2) ensuring support from leaders of essential disciplines, (3) underscoring the importance of the collaborative nature of CAUTI prevention, and (4) identifying champions within the organization to lead and be accountable for the work. Sustainability is ensured by integrating the process into the health care worker's daily routine activities.

Keywords: Collaboration; Infection; Quality improvement; Safety; Urinary catheter.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Bacteremia / prevention & control
  • Catheter-Related Infections / prevention & control*
  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Data Collection
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Patient Care Team
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*
  • Quality Improvement
  • Urinary Catheterization / adverse effects
  • Urinary Catheters / adverse effects
  • Urinary Tract Infections / prevention & control*