Decreasing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Urologic Oncology Patients Discharged With an Indwelling Urinary Catheter: A Quality Improvement Project

Purpose: Few strategies exist regarding decreasing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in the outpatient urologic oncology population discharged with an indwelling urinary catheter (IUC). Design: A quality improvement methodology using a premeasurement-postmeasurement structure was used to study the impact of process interventions on reducing CAUTIs. Methods: Creation of IUC outpatient materials, an "IUC Removal Form,'' and bundling IUC supplies were translated to an outpatient and perioperative setting to reduce CAUTIs. Findings: The CAUTI rate in urologic surgical patients requiring an IUC at discharge decreased from 12.5% to 8%. Preoperative IUC education increased from 0% to 100%. The average number of days the IUC was present was unchanged. The average postanesthesia care unit length of stay decreased from 1.98 to 1.32 hours, saving the organization $11,880.00. IUC removal appointments at discharge increased from 4% to 33% (P = .0146). Conclusions: Implementation of consistent patient education and improved process for IUC removal reduced CAUTIs in this population.