Article

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: Implementing a Protocol to Decrease Incidence in Oncology Populations

Charis McCoy

Monica Paredes

Sara Allen

Jennifer Blackey

Carol S.R. Nielsen

Amy Paluzzi

Brittney Jonas

Patti Radovich

CAUTI prevention, protocol adherence, nurse education, evidence-based practice
CJON 2017, 21(4), 460-465. DOI: 10.1188/17.CJON.460-465

Background: The impact of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) on immunocompromised patients with cancer requires preventive intervention from bedside nurses.

Objectives: This protocol aims to prevent CAUTIs in the inpatient oncology population by implementing an evidence-based, nurse-driven protocol for discontinuing indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs).

Methods: Following a literature review of 34 articles, a nurse-driven CAUTI prevention protocol was developed and implemented on two 26-bed oncology units. Unit staff were educated on the protocol and use of the audit tool.

Findings: Although CAUTI rates remained unchanged, infections per 1,000 IUC days decreased, and adherence among oncology nurses rose 66%–90% within the first two months. The protocol encouraged preventive intervention from RNs to protect patients with cancer from CAUTIs.

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