Abstract
BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the second-largest group of healthcare-associated infections (HCAI). The Saving Lives Urinary Catheter Care Bundle was introduced to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). In response, we implemented a catheter care group to examine ways to improve catheter care in an acute hospital NHS Trust. METHODS: We adopted a multimodal approach, revolving around four components: (1) Catheter Care Pathway; (2) HOUDINI checklist; (3) catheter magnets; and (4) use of bladder ultrasound scanners. RESULTS: The yearly CAUTI prevalence survey showed an annual reduction in CAUTI from 2012-2013 to 2014-2015 (3.5% to 2.4%). Evaluations of the multimodal approach have highlighted limitations, leading to priorities being established around provision of tools, education, and use of measurement and feedback. CONCLUSIONS: Our multimodal approach demonstrates CAUTI rate improvements are achievable, directly benefiting patients. However, long-term maintenance of multimodal components is required to ensure sustained benefit. Engagement and accountability have emerged as significant challenges to the effectiveness and longevity of the catheter care group. We suggest greater emphasis on such challenges if long-term national or international improvement is to be achieved.