One problem in evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention is that CAUTI is relatively uncommon. The authors found a rate of 5.2 per 1,000 catheter days.
Patient selection: indwelling urinary catheter
Bundle used to reduce CAUTI:
(1) The use of silver alloy catheters in acute care units.
(2) Removal of a catheter inserted for surgery as soon as possible afterwards (postoperative Day 1 or 2; exemption urological, gynecological or perineal surgery).
(3) Limiting the movement of the catheter by securing the device.
(4) Repositioning the catheter tubing if it touches the floor.
Additional interventions might include (not mentioned in the article):
(1) using a closed collection system
(2) screening for urinary tract infection prior to catheter placement
(3) monitoring the patient for signs of a urinary tract infection, especially in high-risk patients
(4) minimizing trauma during catheter insertion
