Stop CAUTI: Project Summary

A Case for Change

In hospitals, health care associated infections account for an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 deaths each year. The urinary tract is the most common site of healthcare associated infection, accounting for nearly 40 percent of all nosocomial infections. An indwelling urethral catheter is associated with 80 percent of these urinary tract infections (UTIs). Between 12 percent and 15 percent of hospital inpatients will have a urinary catheter at some time during the hospital stay. Each year, more than 13,000 deaths are associated with UTIs. As of October 1, 2008 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) stopped reimbursement for charges related to hospital-acquired, catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). Each CAUTI adds approximately $500 to $1000 to the cost of patient care.

The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative is leading a statewide project; Kansas On the CUSP: Stop CAUTI, aimed at reducing catheter associated urinary tract infections and improving safety culture. Participating hospital teams will learn how to improve safety culture using the Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP) and reduce CAUTIs using placement and care and removal interventions.

For more information or to enroll your hospital, contact Tonya Crawford, Program Manager at (785) 235-0763 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Resources

• Kick-off meeting presentations
• List of participating Kansas hospitals
• Download project summary