Reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infection in the critical care unit.
Changes in reimbursement policies have focused attention on the use of indwelling catheters in the critical care unit as well as their role in hospital-acquired urinary tract infections. Implementation of an evidence-based prevention program can significantly reduce both the prevalence of indwelling catheterization and the incidence of hospital-acquired catheter-associated urinary tract infection. This article describes the epidemiology and pathophysiology of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, and outlines essential elements of an evidence-based prevention program for the critical care unit.
Gray
Mikel
M
Department of Urology and School of Nursing, University of Virginia, UVA 2nd Floor, Room 2570, PO Box 800422, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. mg5k@virginia.edu
D000465:Algorithms; D055499:Catheter-Related Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014487:Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.; D006801:Humans; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control