How NorthShore University HealthSystem keeps CAUTI rates low

Mackenzie Bean (Twitter) -

Evanston, Ill.-based NorthShore University HealthSystem significantly reduced its rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections between 2012-15, according to a case study from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

After limiting the use of indwelling catheters, the health system reported just seven CAUTI cases in 2015, compared to 43 cases in 2012.

To maintain low CAUTI rates, NorthShore utilizes a toolkit from AHRQ. The toolkit includes a device risk checklist, which NorthShore's infection preventionist Mona Shah customized to include 46 data measures regarding a patient's demographics, catheter history, urine culture specifics and potential pre-contamination risks.

"I love that document. It gives me all the variables in one place, and in many cases allows me to determine whether a CAUTI could be preventable," Ms. Shah said in a statement, noting that checklist insights helped her identify perineal care as a specific area of improvement to help prevent CAUTIs.   

After implementing the toolkit, NorthShore reported just six CAUTI cases in 2018.

To view the full case study, click here.

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