ABSTRACT

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) are the fifth leading cause of healthcare-associated infection. CAUTIs usually occur in acute care settings resulting in increased healthcare costs, length of stay (LOS), morbidity, and mortality rates. It is estimated that around 12-16 percent of patients in the hospital will require indwelling catheters during their hospitalization. In the United States, 449,000 CAUTIs are reported annually. This evidence-based project aims to decrease the rate and incidence of CAUTIs in an acute care setting through an increased level of nurses’ awareness utilizing the ABCDE bundle. The ABCDE bundle focuses on the adherence to infection control, bladder ultrasound, the use of catheter alternatives, the appropriate or inappropriate catheter indications, and early removal of catheters to avoid CAUTI. The reviewed literature indicated a significant decrease in CAUTI rates with the implementation of the ABCDE bundle. Also, there were reported decreased in LOS, morbidity, and mortality rates due to bundle use. A 10-question instrument was created to assess the nurses’ knowledge before and after the educational intervention. A poster presentation about the bundle will be implemented. In addition to the education, laminated badge cards of the ABCDE bundle will be handed out to the nurses to use during their shift. The intended outcome is to empower nurses to have increased knowledge of the ABCDE bundle and implement it consistently. As a result, fewer patients will experience CAUTIs; hospital LOS and medical costs will be decreased; furthermore, the quality of care will be improved.