A multi-center study on bundles of catheter-associated urinary tract infections in intensive care units

Abstract Background Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common type of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Current studies mainly focused on the risk factors, but the method to control is unresolved. We aimed to give an overview of the epidemiology of CAUTIs and to explore the bundles intervention effect in intensive care unit (ICU) inpatients. Methods A multi-center, double blind, prospective study was conducted in eight Xiamen’s medical centers during six months, We recruited ICU inpatients who had indwelling urinary catheters > = 48h. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square and student's t-test. Results With bundle interventions, the CAUTIs rate in ICUs was decreased from 3.84 to 1.31 per 1000 urinary catheter days. The urinary catheter utilization was significantly decreased after bundles (71.29–62.70%), the average duration of indwelling urinary catheters was significantly decreased as well (7,035 days vs 6,884 days). CAUTIs in patients over 60 years old were found a significantly reduction after bundles. There were 45 causative organisms detected from 36 cases of CAUTIs, including 12 multidrug-resistant bacteria. Conclusions Bundles have been shown to reduce the risk of CAUTIs in patients with indwelling catheters in the ICU, especially in the elderly. It also significantly reduces the use of Carbapenem. Therefore, CAUTI bundles are recommended to clinicians.