Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are the most common nosocomial infection, accounting for up to 40% of infections reported by acute care hospitals.^1,2  Up to 80% of urinary tract infections are associated with the presence of an indwelling urinary catheter.³  A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) increases hospital cost and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.^2,5,6  CAUTIs are considered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to represent a reasonably preventable complication of hospitalization. As such, no additional payment is provided to hospitals for CAUTI treatment–related costs.⁵ 

Level A Meta-analysis of quantitative studies or metasynthesis of qualitative studies with results that consistently support a specific action, intervention, or treatment

Level B Well-designed, controlled studies with results that consistently support a specific action, intervention, or treatment

Level C Qualitative studies, descriptive or correlational studies, integrative reviews, systematic reviews, or randomized controlled...