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


Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) pose a significant risk to immunocompromised cancer patients.
• Preventive interventions by bedside nurses are crucial for mitigating CAUTI risks in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement an evidence-based, nurse-driven protocol for discontinuing indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs).
• To prevent CAUTIs specifically within the inpatient oncology setting.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review of 34 articles informed protocol development.
• The nurse-driven CAUTI prevention protocol was implemented across two 26-bed oncology units.
• Oncology nursing staff received education on the protocol and an associated audit tool.

Main Results:

• Adherence to the protocol among oncology nurses increased significantly, from 66% to 90% within two months.
• While overall CAUTI rates did not change, the number of infections per 1,000 IUC days showed a decrease.
• The protocol successfully promoted proactive intervention by registered nurses (RNs) to safeguard cancer patients against CAUTIs.

Conclusions:

• The nurse-driven protocol enhanced adherence and encouraged preventive actions by RNs.
• The findings suggest a positive impact on infection control metrics, specifically infections per 1,000 IUC days.
• This approach highlights the critical role of nursing-led initiatives in reducing healthcare-associated infections in oncology care.