From the Guidelines
A CAUTI bundle chart should include key interventions such as proper hand hygiene, aseptic technique during insertion, closed drainage systems, and daily assessment of catheter necessity to prevent infections in patients with urinary catheters. The essential components of a CAUTI bundle chart are:
- Proper hand hygiene before and after catheter handling
- Using aseptic technique during insertion with sterile equipment
- Inserting catheters only when medically necessary
- Documenting insertion date, reason, and expected removal date
- Securing the catheter to prevent movement and urethral traction
- Maintaining a closed drainage system, as evidenced by a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases in 2010, which found that closed drainage systems reduced the incidence of CA-bacteriuria to ∼50% at 14 days of continuous catheterization 1
- Keeping the collection bag below bladder level but not touching the floor
- Emptying the collection bag regularly using a clean container for each patient
- Performing daily assessment of catheter necessity with prompt removal when no longer needed
- Ensuring proper perineal care Implementation of this bundle has been shown to significantly reduce CAUTI rates by addressing the main pathways of infection: introduction of bacteria during insertion, migration along the catheter surface, and contamination of the drainage system, as supported by a study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases in 2019 1. Regular documentation in the chart helps ensure compliance with these evidence-based practices and facilitates communication between healthcare providers about catheter management. Additionally, a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases in 2010 found that catheter replacement prior to antimicrobial treatment for CA-UTI can significantly decrease polymicrobic CA-bacteriuria and reduce the rate of CA-UTI within 28 days after therapy 1.
From the Research
CAUTI Bundle Chart Summary
- The CAUTI bundle chart is a tool used to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in healthcare settings 2.
- CAUTI is a major cause of morbidity in hospitals worldwide, and urethral catheters coated with antimicrobial substances have been introduced to reduce CAUTI 3.
- However, studies have shown that antimicrobial-coated or impregnated catheters may not reduce symptomatic CAUTI compared to standard catheters 3, 4.
- Simple preventive strategies, such as reducing catheter usage and improving catheter care, have been shown to be effective in reducing CAUTI 3, 2.
- The use of antimicrobial coatings for urinary catheters has been demonstrated to be one of the most direct and efficient strategies to reduce infections 5.
- CAUTI reduction is possible in the ICU through a combination of reduced catheter usage, improved catheter care, and stewardship of urine cultures 2.
Key Components of CAUTI Bundle Chart
- Insertion of catheters only when necessary 2
- Use of sterile equipment and techniques during catheter insertion 2
- Securing the catheter to prevent movement and irritation 2
- Maintaining a closed drainage system 2
- Monitoring for signs and symptoms of CAUTI 2