Reducing CAUTI incidence: A multimodal and multidisciplinary approach for improved prevention and patient outcomes

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common health care-associated infections and a key quality metric tied to patient safety. Although the standardized utilization ratio (SUR) declined, CAUTI rates remained above the target benchmark at a large academic trauma facility, prompting a multidisciplinary quality improvement initiative.

A multidisciplinary team implemented a multimodal approach targeting indwelling urinary catheter practices. Interventions included standardized urine culture protocols, education on dependent loop prevention, 2 person insertion procedures, and monitoring indwelling urinary catheter order compliance. Data on 6 key metrics were tracked facility-wide from 2023 to 2025.

Urine culture card compliance improved from 15.4% to 100%. Indwelling urinary catheter order compliance rose from 50% to 85%, and 2 person insertion documentation reached 93%. The SUR dropped from 0.903 (2021) to 0.68 (2024), while CAUTI SIR decreased from 0.564 (2021) to 0.284 (2024). Current 2025 YTD SIR is 0.168.

Standardizing catheter care by implementing evidence-based interventions resulted in preventing CAUTI. To maintain these positive outcomes, leadership support, collaboration across disciplines, and ongoing education were crucial.

A system-wide, multimodal CAUTI prevention strategy significantly reduced catheter use and infection rates. Continued focus on education and compliance tracking is essential to achieve and sustain zero harm.