Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Prevention and Reduction

With the national focus on decreasing hospital-acquired infections, Massachusetts General Hospital determined that a focused approach to decrease catheter-associated urinary tract infections—the most prevalent of all HAIs—was vital. A thorough literature review was conducted to identify the best evidence-based practices for CAUTI prevention, and the best practices served as a guide to assess where gaps existed in the hospital's ICUs. An interdisciplinary team, the CAUTI workgroup, identified improvements and interventions that have reduced CAUTI rates below national benchmarks.