HOUDINI Impacts on Utilization And Infection Rates--A Retrospective Quality Improvement Initiative

This retrospective quality improvement project examined the effect of nurse-driven removal protocol on catheter-associated urinary tract infections. No statistically significant differences were identified when pre- and post-implementation catheter utilization, catheter days, and patient care days were compared. Key Words: Urinary tract infection (UTI), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), comprehensive unit-based safety program (CUSP), quality improvement.
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) have a myriad of negative health consequences, including increased catheter use and associated infections, increased costs, length of inpatient hospital stay, and mortality (Centers for [...]