Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Prevention of Foley CAUTIs

The goal of this program was to reduce the number of Foley catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The cardiac telemetry unit implemented a CAUTI prevention bundle including best practices for prevention: avoiding unnecessary use of urinary catheters; using aseptic technique for insertion when catheters are necessary; catheter maintenance based on best practices; and assessing catheter necessity daily utilizing "Indwelling Urinary Catheter Orders." A significant reduction in catheter-associated urinary tract infections was achieved.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)