Mayo Clinic Reduces Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections Through a Bundled 6-C Approach

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Established CAUTI reduction strategies included aseptic technique and reduced catheter use.
• Existing protocols were insufficient to fully mitigate CAUTI rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and implement additional strategies for reducing CAUTI.
• To achieve and sustain a reduction in CAUTI rates.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Employed quality improvement (QI) methodology.
• Engaged frontline healthcare staff in strategy development.

Main Results:

• Successfully identified and implemented novel CAUTI reduction strategies.
• Achieved a significant and sustained reduction in CAUTI rates.
• Developed adaptable tools for institutional use.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary, QI-driven approach can further reduce CAUTI.
• Sustained reduction in CAUTI is achievable with ongoing engagement.
• The project's tools offer a scalable solution for other institutions.