Urinary Tract Infections (adult): Empirical Treatment Clinical Guideline
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Healthcare associated infections are a major cause of poor outcomes for patients. Approximately one fifth of healthcare associated infections are urinary tract infections, with the majority being catheter associated. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) results in increased patient morbidity and mortality. Complications associated with CAUTI include: cystitis, pyelonephritis, bacteremia, and, in males, prostatitis, epididymitis and orchitis. Less common complications include: endocarditis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and meningitis.
Prevention of CAUTI is a high priority patient safety issue covered under Standard 3 of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.
Risk of CAUTI is associated with the insertion process and duration of catheterisation, patient susceptibility to CAUTI and quality of catheter care.
Insertion of a urinary catheter should only be undertaken by persons trained and competent in the technique.
Key points include:
For further information on prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infection contact the SA Health’s Infection Control Service on (08) 7425 7161.