Catheter-associated urinary tract infections

Overview:

Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) are one of the most common health care-associated infections (HAIs). These infections are most likely caused by bacteria entering the body during catheter insertion, as a result of prolonged or unnecessary use of urinary catheters, or due to a disruption in the closed drainage system. CAUTI, like many HAIs, can be prevented. In this module you will learn about CAUTI incidence, causes, risks and proper indications for using a urinary catheter.

Course contents

Overview:
Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) are one of the most common health care-associated infections (HAIs). These infections are most likely caused by bacteria entering the body during catheter insertion, as a result of prolonged or unnecessary use of urinary catheters, or due to a disruption in the closed drainage system. CAUTI, like many HAIs, can be prevented. In this module you will learn about CAUTI incidence, causes, risks and proper indications for using a urinary catheter.

CAUTI Prevention:
An infection prevention and control (IPC) team can impact the incidence of CAUTI in their facility by supporting and promoting implementation of preventive measures. A key first step is to establish the correct diagnosis of a CAUTI given that recognizing it is a challenge because bacteria can be present in a patient’s urine without causing infection. This includes deciding which one of the two main international definitions of CAUTI the facility plans to use. Preventive measures include using standardized indications for catheter use which will help avoidance of catheters when necessary, as well as following the recommended procedures for catheter insertion and management; these will lower the risk of CAUTI in your facility.