Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are 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. A significant portion of these catheters are placed without appropriate indications. Complications associated with CAUTI result in increased length of stay, patient discomfort, excess health care costs, and sometimes mortality. An estimated 13,000 deaths are associated with CAUTI each year. However, most cases of CAUTI are preventable.
On the CUSP: Stop CAUTI aims to reduce mean rates of CAUTI in U.S. hospitals. The initiative is working with state organizations and hospitals across the country to implement the Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP) and CAUTI reduction practices in hospital units.
