A quasi-experimental study to test a prevention bundle for catheter-associated urinary tract infections

Abstract

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to test the use of a bundled approach of catheter care practices for a 3-month period to reduce the occurrence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in adult critical care patients who had indwelling urinary catheters. Catheter care is completed primarily by nursing staff, however minimal studies exist in the literature that support specific nursing care to reduce the occurrence of CAUTIs. Catheter care practices were investigated and implemented in a bundled approach to determine the impact on reducing CAUTIs in a critical care unit. Though the results were not statistically significant, they were clinically significant with a 50% reduction in CAUTI incidence.