North Shore University Hospital reduces catheter-associated urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections are among the most common healthcare-associated infections; approximately 75% are associated with the use of urinary catheters, making prevention of catheter-associated UTIs a top priority for hospitals. In response to an unexpected increase in infections in early 2018, North Shore University Hospital (of Northwell Health) initiated a program to reduce CAUTI rates and improve care quality.
To combat instances of CAUTI, the facility implemented a “1-2-3 Model” to promote accountability and engagement in achieving organizational goals. Their CAUTI Task Force, hospital Quality Council and a highly engaged team of CAUTI champions used root cause analysis findings and worked collaboratively to implement an action plan that revitalized evidence-based prevention protocols and introduced new practices to drive quality outcomes and enhance sustainability. Learning opportunities and experiences were designed for leaders and frontline staff, which further advanced the potential of this team.
As a result, the team reduced intensive care unit CAUTIs by 75% and reduced non-ICU CAUTIs by 44% from 2018 to 2019. Additionally, they reduced ICU urinary catheter device days by 9% and non-ICU urinary catheter device days by 14%.
For more information, contact Mary Anne McNamee, MA, RN, NPD-BC, director of nursing education and professional development, at mmcnamee@northwell.edu and Aradhana Khameraj, MSN, RN, CIC, director of infection prevention, at akhameraj@northwell.edu.
