The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 of every 10 to 20 patients hospitalized in the United States develops a healthcare-associated infection (HAI). Urinary tract infection (UTI), a type of HAI, accounts for approximately 32% of infections reported by acute care hospitals and approximately 18% to 25% of all nosocomial bacteremia. The majority of hospital-associated UTIs are caused by instrumentation of the urinary tract, mainly from an indwelling urinary catheter (IUC). Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) can result in increased morbidity, mortality, hospital cost, and length of stay.
Hospital staffs, particularly nursing staffs, are developing clinical pathways for removal of IUCs and for bladder monitoring, to ensure patient safety and evidence-based practice (EBP) at a lower cost. This website was created in part to create a single place for accessibility of the evidence, perspectives on implementing CAUTI prevention strategies and tools that can be shared to assist all of us in achieving sustainable prevention goals.
We have heard from many readers who are actively engaged in implementing CAUTI prevention programs for their hospitals.  They have raised opportunities to update the algorithm which is truly a living pathway.  The latest algorithm is located: http://www.cautichallenge.com/images/stories/site_images/foley3132012.jpg

This living algorithm is a tool for all of us and will continue to evolve as you provide your feedback.  Thank you for your participation in this Challenge!