Focused Audits Reduce CAUTI in the ICU

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection is the second most commonly reported hospital-associated infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CAUTI can cause discomfort to the patient, lead to an increased hospital stay, and increase cost and mortality. A number of regulatory bodies track organizations' rates for CAUTI and compare them to nationally published benchmarks. It was recognized that the CAUTI rate in the intensive care unit was rising precipitously over calendar year 2013, and peaked in September 2013. Until that time, there had not been a focused review of practices, products and policies linked to CAUTI prevention in the ICU.

Contact: Tricia Elliott, Executive Director, Quality and Decision Support
Email:tkelliott@nch.org
Phone:847-618-4360

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)