Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are one of the most common hospital-acquired infections; virtually all (70 to 80 percent) of these infections are caused by instrumentation such as a catheter inserted into the urinary tract. Twelve to 16 percent of hospital inpatients will have a urinary catheter at some time during their hospital stay. CAUTIs result in increased morbidly, mortality and healthcare costs.
Compared to baseline, New Jersey hospitals have reduced CAUTIs by 45 percent, avoided 94 potential CAUTIs and saved $94,413 in unnecessary healthcare costs.
This was accomplished in part through hospital participation in collaborative efforts: