According to the study, the AHRQ metric has shown a 28.2 percent decrease in CAUTIs since 2010, whereas the CDC metric has shown a 3 percent to 6 percent increase in CAUTIs since 2009.
The study authors suggest differences in data acquisition may explain this discrepancy, at least in some part. For instance, the AHRQ metric analyzes chart-audited data and reflects both catheter use and care. The CDC metric analyzes self-reported data and primarily reflects catheter care.
The study findings are important because, currently, CMS uses the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network metric for CAUTI rates for its value-purchasing initiatives.
“The validity of this initiative needs to be examined because the AHRQ and the CDC National Healthcare Safety Network CAUTI metric give widely varying results,” wrote the researchers.
Analysis of the AHRQ metric showed a progressive change in performance over time. Additionally, scientific literature supports the importance of catheter use in the prevention of CAUTIs. Due to these factors, the authors suggest risk-adjusted catheter-use data be incorporated into metrics that are used for determining facility performance and for value-based purchasing initiatives.
“To have the most accurate value-based purchasing initiatives, the healthcare industry should be supportive of expanded data verification,” concluded the study.
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