Catheter-Associated UTIs Decrease by Over Half after National Intervention in Nursing Homes

​Community-based nursing homes that participated in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Safety Program for Long-Term Care reduced catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) by 54% and reduced the incidence rate from 6.42 to 3.33 infections per 1,000 catheter-days over two years, according to a study published in the May 2017 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine. The project consisted of 404 nursing homes across the United States that implemented technical and socioadaptive prevention measures, emphasizing training for catheter and incontinence care, using regular assessments, resident and family engagement, effective communication, and leadership. According to an AHRQ press release about the study, up to 10% of nursing home residents have urinary catheters, which often lead to healthcare-associated infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as older adults.