Developing a professional nurse driven protocol for removal of indwelling urinary catheters in the acute care environment

Purpose:  Indwelling urinary catheters are inserted in approximately 15 to 20 percent of hospitalized patients. Although the indwelling urinary catheter may be indicated in critically ill or peri-operative patients, the timing of removal is often influenced by nurse or physician convenience rather than individual care needs. Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) can lead to complications in recovery as well as prolonged hospital stay.  The cumulative impact to healthcare cost is significant when loss of reimbursement and the cost of treating and prevention are considered. The purpose of this project is to provide evidence-based knowledge to guide nursing practice for removal of indwelling urinary catheters in the acute care setting. 

Objective:  To develop a professional nurse driven protocol for removal of indwelling urinary catheters in the acute care environment. Through implementation of best practices, indwelling catheters would be removed when patients no longer meet clinical indications, thereby decreasing the incidence of CAUTI. 

Outcomes:  Ongoing