Can We Take It Out Now? Reducing UTIs in the ICU

Purpose:
This session will review the development, implementation, and results of a standardized UA/Foley protocol implemented in the intensive care unit (ICU) to prevent CA-UTI. Elimination of symptomatic urinary catheter associated infections seems like an unobtainable goal.

Significance:
Indwelling urinary catheters are the most common source of infections in intensive care units (ICUs).

Strategy and Implementation:
Essential elements of the protocol included education of all team members (including transport personnel), utilization of computer screen savers related to prevention measures, utilization of silver coated catheters, a standing order for urinalysis (UA) when a catheter is inserted, reflex to culture for positive UA, application of strict surveillance definitions and feedback to team members.

Evaluation:
This has resulted in a dramatic decrease in CA-UTI with zero symptomatic CA-UTI in the first quarter of 2009.

Implications for Practice:
The utilization of the UA/Foley protocol used to screen patients and the interventions used to help reduce the number of UTIs to zero in the ICU.