Prevention of CAUTI: Evidence-Based Strategies for Safe Catheter Care
This course provides healthcare professionals with essential knowledge and practical strategies to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in the inpatient setting. Participants will explore appropriate catheter use, bacterial considerations, and the financial and human costs of CAUTIs. The course emphasizes evidence-based practices, catheter care, and the development of a culture of safety and prevention through hospital-wide policies and programs.
Through real-world case studies and practical examples, the course fosters critical thinking and encourages the development of a culture of safety and continuous improvement. By completing this course, healthcare professionals will be better equipped to reduce infection rates, improve patient outcomes, enhance regulatory compliance, and contribute to a safer inpatient environment.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- List primary indications for placing an indwelling urinary catheter.
- Identify the risks associated with inappropriate urinary catheter insertion.
- Identify the factors that increase CAUTI risk.
- State the common pathway for bacteria to enter the urinary tract during catheterization.
- List evidence-based practices for catheter insertion.
- State some of the alternatives to indwelling catheters.
- Define the components of a CAUTI prevention bundle.
- List strategies that could reduce infection rates.
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Understanding CAUTI in the Inpatient Setting
- Definition and epidemiology
- Bacterial pathways of infection (insertion, tubing, drainage system)
- Risks of inappropriate catheter use
- Financial and human burden of CAUTI
Chapter 2: Evidence-Based Catheter Care
- Indications for catheter insertion
- Best practices for insertion and maintenance
- Alternatives to indwelling catheters
- Nurse-driven removal protocols
Chapter 3: Building a Culture of Improvement
- Surveillance and targeted assessments
- CAUTI bundles and prevention strategies
- Hospital-wide CAUTI policies and protocols
- Education and staff engagement
Chapter 4: Sustaining Prevention Programs
- Quality improvement cycles
- Measuring outcomes and reporting
- Aligning with regulatory expectations (CDC, CMS, Joint Commission)
- Overcoming barriers to sustained improvement
Chapter 5: Case Studies and Reflection
- Clinical vignettes illustrating CAUTI prevention challenges
- Application of prevention strategies to real-world scenarios
- Reflection and discussion questions for practice improvement
- References
- California BON Required Implicit Bias Information
Price: $12.00
Contact Hour: 1
Course Author
Kendall Moore
Kendall is a 2022 Magna Cum Laude graduate from Tyler Junior College with an Associate Degree in Nursing. She has a deep passion for nutrition and hormone health, is a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association, and is currently enrolled in Pacific College's RN-to-BSN in Holistic Nursing program. Upon graduation, Kendall intends to begin a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner program to further expand her expertise.
In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Kendall serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Pedagogy, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the company while simultaneously attending school and authoring educational courses. Her unique blend of leadership, clinical knowledge, and dedication to holistic health reflects her commitment to advancing both patient care and healthcare education.
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