Importance of Infection Prevention from CAUTI and Use of Care Bundle Checklist

Meaning of Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI):

This is most common nosocomial infection and about 80% of the hospital acquired urinary infections are associated with the use of a bladder catheter. Though these infections cause less morbidity than the other nosocomial infections, occasionally they can lead to bacteraemia and death.

The microbiological criteria for detection of these infections are usually defined as a positive quantitative urine culture with ≥ 105 microorganisms/ml and 1 or 2 isolated microbial species.  Usually the causative bacteria arise from the gut flora, either normal (Escherichiacoli or Multi resistant Klebsiella). 

Common organisms causing UTI:

E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Enterococci spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Candida spp., Staph. aureus, Staph. Epidermidis.

Sign and Symptoms of CAUTI:

At least 1 of the following signs or symptoms: (If Catheter is in Place)

• Fever > 38 °C
• Suprapubic Tenderness
• Costovertebral Angle Pain
• Tenderness  

At least 1 of the following signs or symptoms: (If Catheter is Removed)

• Fever > 38 °C
• Urgency
• Frequency
• Dysuria
• Suprapubic Tenderness
• Costovertebral Angle Pain
• Tenderness  

 If Patient ≤ 1 Year of Age and At least 1 of the following signs or symptoms:

• Fever > 38 °C
• Hypothermia < 36 °C
• Apnea
• Bradycardia
• Dysuria
• Lethargy
• Vomiting

Risk Factors for Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI): 

Strategies for CAUTI Prevention:

The Care Bundle Approach for Prevention:

The bundle approach to providing medical care has become increasingly popular in recent years. A care bundle is a group of interventions which when delivered together lead to a better outcome than performing interventions individually, representing an improvement over a non-structured approach.

A care bundle is a group of three to five evidence-based interventions which, when performed together, have a better outcome than if performed individually. Care bundles can be used to ensure the delivery of the minimum standard of care. 

Care Bundle Checklist for CAUTI Prevention:

Written by:

Dr. Praveen Bajpai

Director of Ingenious Healthcare Consultants Pvt. Ltd.
Founder of Skill Sathi

MBA in Hospital administration, PG Diploma in Quality Accreditation, PG Diploma in Medico Legal System, M. Phil in Hospital Mgmt. from BITS Pilani, P.hD in Management, Certified NABH Auditor, Certified NABL Auditor, Certified Auditor for Clinical Audits, Green Belt in Six Sigma, Certified in Hospital Infection Control Practices, Certified trainer for International Patient Safety Goals, Certified Auditor for JCI 7th Edition Standards 

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