Is infection in the community a real threat? The example of CAUTI.
Targeting health care associated infections (HCAIs) is a key priority of current health policy. This applies as much to the community as to hospitals, although the latter receive far more media attention. One of the commonest HCAIs in the community is catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). Cutting infection rates is a challenge. Many CAUTIs are the result of inappropriate catheterization, often combined with reduced sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics given prophylactically. The government's rapid reaction task force has recommended use of a silver-alloy coated catheter, but closer surveillance is needed to persuade budget-holders of the cost and clinical benefits of this intervention.
South Staffordshire Healthcare NHS Trust and Community Infection Control, Infection Control Nurses Association. helen.jenkinson@staffs.nhs.uk
Helen
H
Jenkinson
D000497:Alloys; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D006292:Health Priorities; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011159:Population Surveillance; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D018030:Silver Compounds; D006113:United Kingdom; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000497:Alloys; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D018030:Silver Compounds