Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are the most common hospital-acquired infections.They account for 30% of the total hospital-acquired infections (HAI). A source of additionnal stress and pain for the patient, they prolong their stay by 3 to 5 days in the hospital and their treatment adds extra costs for the patient as well as the hospital.
All this could be easily avoided since these infections are viewed as largely preventable.
Research has shown that urinary catheters are often overused and left in place longer than necessary. However, processes for their reliable insertion and removal can decrease use and significantly reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs) and risk.
To support hospitals in implementing demonstrated, effective ways to reduce catheter use, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement is offering this Expedition on Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections. This web-based Expedition will provide both best practices and an opportunity to learn how to reduce these infections from expert faculty and other participants.
In the United States, Medicare and Medicais as well as other important private Health Insurance companies have decided to stop reimbursement for these infections considering that hospitals have all the capacities to avoid them. As a result, in addition to improved outcomes and patient care, there is now financial motivation to reduce these infection.
When will our Quebec and Canadian hospitals be obliged to take the same measures? Security of cares for the patients and costs control!
Reminder: in Quebec only, an average of 4000 patients die each year from a hospital-acquired infections. Car accidents kill an average of 600 persons.
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