Improving Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection Rates ofPediatric Patients Through Standardization of Catheter Care

Authors

Shelby Beyers, Childrens Health
Jenna Buys, Childrens Health
Hayden Dutton, Childrens Health

Files

Description

Background/Significance: Pediatric patients with urinary catheters are at an increased risk for developing Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI). Standardization of urinary catheter care improves CAUTI rates. At Children’s Health, the CAUTI rate increased from 2 infections to 10 infections from 2018 to 2019. Review of organizational policy revealed that urinary catheter care practices were not standardized. Bedside staff performed catheter care with soap and water but utilized different methods and supplies, leading to variability in practice.

Purpose/EBP Question: The purpose of this Evidence Based Practice (EBP) project was to standardize catheter care throughout Children’s Health. Nurse resident sought to answer if the use of meatal and perineal cleansing cloths in comparison to current standard of care with soap water reduced the incidence of CAUTIs at a large pediatric health system.

Implementation Plan/Methods: The CAUTI Committee trialed meatal and perineal cleansing cloths beginning in January 2020. During the trial, the nursing staff were surveyed regarding the ease and efficiency of the cleansing cloths.

Results/Outcomes: Standardization of urinary catheter care, improved CAUTI rates in 2020. The organization observed a decrease in the mean CAUTI rate from 2.0 in 2019 (N=10) to a mean rate of 0.3 in 2020 (N=1) after trialing and implementing the urinary catheter cleansing cloths. Staff surveys from the product trials provided positive feedback. Staff appreciated the convenience and efficiency of the wipes as well as the additional instructions provided on the inside of the packaging. Use of the cleansing cloths led to a 90% reduction in CAUTIs resulting in an estimated cost savings of $90K for this organization.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice: Use of catheter cleansing cloths are an effective strategy to standardize catheter care, decrease costs, and improve CAUTI rates in pediatric patients

Publication Date

2021

Disciplines

Pediatric Nursing

Recommended Citation

Beyers, Shelby; Buys, Jenna; and Dutton, Hayden, "Improving Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection Rates ofPediatric Patients Through Standardization of Catheter Care" (2021). 2021. 6.
https://scholarlycollection.childrens.com/nursing-anf2021/6