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 type of health care-associated infection. As many as one-fourth of all hospital inpatients may have a short-term, indwelling urinary catheter placed during their hospital stay. Each year, more than 13,000 deaths are associated with UTIs.

CAUTI reduction is a quickly growing priority. Recent expansions in public reporting, policies of non-payment for hospital-acquired conditions, and the emphasis of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections are all impelling factors in the fight to reduce CAUTI. Each CAUTI adds approximately $500 to $1000 to the cost of patient care.

Resources

  • Kansas participants in past cohorts
  • News releases and success stories
  • National website (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)