Introduction

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections and are largely preventable with appropriate clinical practices. Indwelling urinary catheters, when used without clear indication or maintained improperly, significantly increase the risk of infection, patient discomfort, prolonged hospitalization, and antimicrobial overuse. The CAUTI Prevention Program is designed to strengthen healthcare professionals’ competence in evidence-based urinary catheter insertion, maintenance, and timely removal, fostering a culture of patient safety and accountability. The program translates national and international prevention principles into practical, bedside-applicable workflows suitable for diverse healthcare settings.

Scope

The program addresses the entire continuum of urinary catheter care, including:

• Epidemiology, burden, and clinical consequences of CAUTI
• Indications and contraindications for urinary catheterization
• Aseptic insertion techniques and selection of appropriate catheter types
• Maintenance practices: closed drainage systems, perineal hygiene, securement, and urine sampling
• Daily assessment of catheter necessity and prompt removal strategies
• Alternatives to indwelling catheters and bladder management options
• Monitoring, documentation, audit practices, and staff accountability for sustained CAUTI reduction
• Integration of CAUTI prevention into hospital infection control and quality improvement programs

Objectives

Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to:

• Describe the pathogenesis and risk factors associated with CAUTI
• Apply evidence-based guidelines for safe catheter insertion and maintenance
• Identify inappropriate catheter use and implement strategies for early removal
• Reduce device-days through standardized assessment and reminder systems
• Promote compliance with infection prevention protocols through audits and education
• Support institutional CAUTI prevention initiatives and patient safety goals

Who can enroll

This program is intended for healthcare professionals involved in urinary catheter use, care, and infection prevention, including:

• Staff nurses, ward nurses, ICU and critical care nurses
• Physicians, residents, and interns involved in patient care
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) teams and hospital infection control nurses
• Quality managers, patient safety officers, and clinical auditors
• Nursing educators, clinical trainers, and healthcare administrators

Study content on TERRALEAP.COM

Participants will have access to structured learning resources hosted on TERRALEAP.COM, including:

To support learning and practical implementation, this program includes videos and PDF-based study resources provided through TERRALEAP.COM.