Decreasing CAUTI Rates by Educating Staff on Reinforcing the CAUTI Bundle

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) account for 40% of all the hospital acquired infections in the United States. The use of an indwelling catheter is common in hospital settings. Improper placement, assessment, and maintenance can increase the risk for CAUTI, increase the length of stay, and cause harm to the patient. The purpose of this project was to decrease CAUTI rates in a critical care unit by educating nursing staff on the use of the CAUTI bundle and the CAUTI maintenance tool. The practice questions focused on (a) whether an education program for nursing staff on CAUTI extends the knowledge of nurses in managing patients with indwelling catheters and (b) if an education program for nursing staff on CAUTI decreases the incidence of CAUTI. Malcolm Knowles\u27s theory of adult learning guided this project. Data on CAUTI incidence pre- and post-education program reflected zero CAUTI incidence in the month following the education program with 96% of the nursing staff following the CAUTI protocol. Participants completed a post program evaluation. All participants identified that they agreed or strongly agreed that the program met the objectives identified on the evaluation form and that the content extended their knowledge of the topic. This project may contribute to social change by impacting the potential for patients to have less infection leading to decreased hospitalizations and improved quality of life