Korean J Nosocomial Infect Control.  2008 Dec;13(2):90-96.

The Effect of Education in Reducing Catheter-related Urinary Tract Infections in Intensive Care Units at a University Hospital

Affiliations
  • 1Infection Control Office, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Korea. yonathan@hanafos.com
  • 2Intensive Care Unit, Dongguk University International Hospital, Goyang, Korea.
  • 3Department of Internal Medicine, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most frequent nosocomial infections and are frequently associated with indwelling urinary catheters. It is known that adherence to standard infection control measures for urinary catheters can reduce UTIs in hospitals. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of education in reducing catheter-related UTIs (CR-UTIs) in intensive care units (ICUs) of a university hospital.
METHODS
CR-UTIs were prospectively monitored for all patients with indwelling urinary catheters in ICUs from July 2006 through December 2007. Recommendations based on previously known guidelines for catheter insertion, catheter management, and specimen collection to prevent CR-UTIs were formulated and educated in March 2007. Knowledge and adherence level were evaluated before and after educating healthcare workers about the recommendations using questionnaire. Changes in knowledge and adherence level before and after education were compared by Chi-square test. Changes in the rate of CR-UTIs and urinary catheter utilization ratios were also analyzed by Fisher's exact test.
RESULTS
After education, knowledge level of and adherence level to most of the recommendations were improved significantly. The rate of CR-UTIs significantly decreased by 48% from 7.43/1,000 catheter-days before intervention to 3.87/1,000 catheter-days after intervention (P=0.02).
CONCLUSION
Surveillance for nosocomial infections and education for standard infection control measures are very important in preventing CR-UTIs in ICUs.

Keyword

Urinary tract infection; Urinary catheterization; Infection control; Intensive care unit; Education

MeSH Terms

Catheters
Cross Infection
Delivery of Health Care
Humans
Infection Control
Critical Care
Intensive Care Units
Prospective Studies
Specimen Handling
Urinary Catheterization
Urinary Catheters
Urinary Tract
Urinary Tract Infections
Surveys and Questionnaires
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