[Urinary catheter : comply with guidelines to avoid infections].

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is the most frequent hospital acquired infection, associated with significant morbidity, mortality and health care costs. Up to 50 % of urinary catheter use in hospital are for incontinence or convenience without proper indication. In addition, urinary catheters are not removed when no longer necessary, due to a lack of vigilance of the health care team. The duration of catheterization is the most important risk factor for the development of CAUTI. Simple measures to prevent CAUTI include appropriate use, maintaining awareness of catheters in place and use of different alternatives. These measures can reduce the number of CAUTI over 50 % along with positive impact on the quality of care and costs.