Prevention and Control of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI): A Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Project.

INTRODUCTION

This patient safety and quality improvement report outlines the successful reduction of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) through a comprehensive interdisciplinary team approach. It emphasizes the implementation of best practices and the involvement of both patients and their families in catheter care. The project was conducted at Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City, the largest rehabilitation facility in the Middle East, with 511 beds and over 20 inpatient units.

AIM

The primary objective of this project was to assess gaps in current CAUTI prevention practices and implement effective strategies to reduce infection rates. By adopting quality improvement methodologies from the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and the Deming Four-Stage Cycle, the aim was to prevent CAUTIs and improve patient safety and clinical outcomes.

METHOD

Urinary catheters, commonly used for patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction and sacral deep pressure injuries, posed a high risk of infection, with a daily infection risk of 3-7%. Despite available preventive measures, the facility experienced a high average CAUTI rate of 1.28/1000 catheter days from 2021 to mid-2023. This project involved the systematic identification of gaps, the adoption of evidence-based practices, and the engagement of healthcare staff, patients, and families in rigorous CAUTI prevention efforts.

RESULT

The project resulted in a significant reduction in the CAUTI rate, decreasing from 1.28 infections per 1000 catheter days pre-intervention to 0.42 infections per 1000 catheter days post-intervention. This improvement highlights the effectiveness of collaborative efforts and evidence-based interventions in controlling and preventing CAUTIs.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this project demonstrate that CAUTI prevention is achievable through a coordinated approach involving healthcare providers, strong evidence-based interventions, and the active participation of patients and families. This collaborative model led to better patient safety outcomes and significantly reduced CAUTI rates, showing the importance of comprehensive care strategies in mitigating preventable patient harm.