"Lose the Tube": A Choosing Wisely initiative to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections in hospitalist-led inpatient units

Am J Infect Control. 2017 Mar 1;45(3):333-335. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2016.10.023. Epub 2016 Dec 2.

Abstract

We developed a multidisciplinary initiative, "Lose the Tube," focused on a Choosing Wisely recommendation to decrease catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rates and catheter days. Through an electronic health record catheter identification tool, daily interdisciplinary query, and clinician education, our multifaceted intervention reduced mean per-person catheter days from 3.3 to 2.9, decreased CAUTI rates from 2.85 to 0.32 per 1,000 catheter days, and reduced cost by $32,245.

Keywords: Hospital medicine; Infection control; Nosocomial infections; Patient safety.

MeSH terms

  • Catheter-Related Infections / prevention & control*
  • Catheterization / adverse effects*
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Hospitalists
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods
  • Inpatients
  • Patient Safety
  • Urinary Tract Infections / prevention & control*