[Using Team Resource Management to Reduce the Incidence of Inappropriate Urinary Catheter Use Among Hospitalized Older Patients].

BACKGROUND & PROBLEMS: Inappropriate urinary catheter use not only prolongs the length of hospital stays but is also associated with increased rates of mortality. The incidence rate of inappropriate urinary catheter use in our unit was as high as 44.6%, and the incidence density of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) was 3.6‱ from June to October 2022. The causes of inappropriate urinary catheter use in our unit were identified as: 1) healthcare professionals were not aware of the importance of catheter removal, 2) the lack of a reminder system for catheters, 3) the lack of a standard operating procedure for catheter removal, and 4) caregivers being unclear regarding the necessity of catheter use.

PURPOSE: This project was designed to reduce the incidence rate of inappropriate urinary catheter use to < 31%, and the incidence density of CAUTI to < 2.8‱.

RESOLUTIONS: Using team resource management through leadership; employing the watching, mutual assistance, and communication method; establishing a reminder system for catheters and a standard operating procedure for catheter removal; issuing guidelines for patient care after catheter removal; and conducting group education for catheters.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of inappropriate urinary catheter use decreased to 16.7%, and the incidence density of CAUTI decreased to 1.9‱.

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusion

This project adopted the team resource management method and cooperated with healthcare professional and caregiver efforts to remove catheters. This project may be referenced as an effective means of reducing the risks of inappropriate urinary catheter use and CAUTI to enhance the safety of hospitalized older patients.