Trauma Grand Rounds: Catheter Related Infections

Presented By: Daniel B. DiGiulio, MD

Catheter-related infections cause a significant proportion of healthcare associated infections, and are responsible for a substantial burden of disease in the US every year. Although urinary catheters and intravenous catheters might appear at first to have little in common with  each other, both are artificial devices that can lead to iatrogenic complications, particularly when catheters aren’t inserted and managed under optimal protocols. Various factors increase the risk of catheter-related infections, including: 1) using invasive catheters when they’re not clearly indicated; 2) using suboptimal technique during their insertion and management; 3) leaving  catheters in place longer than necessary; and, 4) failure to adequately monitor catheters for infectious complications. This presentation will discuss the problem of catheter-related infections, and provide prevention and management strategies to minimize their occurrence and adverse health impact.

Desired Outcomes:

• State the appropriate indications for urinary catheter insertion
• Know the daily steps to assess the ongoing need for urinary catheter continuation
• Discontinue urinary catheters per catheter removal protocols
• Identify risks for Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs)
• Understand the need to perform daily assessment of the ongoing necessity for central lines
• Discontinue central lines when no longer necessary
• Articulate the critical role of proper hand hygiene before and after all patient contact, as well as the use of Maximal Sterile Barrier Precautions when inserting central lines
• Recognize patient populations that are at increased risk for outcome disparities due to catheter-related infections

CME Activity Flyer (PDF)