New standards for CAUTIs
13 Nov 2016
By: Amy Stokes, MSN RN, professional development specialist
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The Joint Commission has revised the National Patient Safety Goal for Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs). The standards become effective Jan. 1, 2017.
The new standards contain education components required for all staff/LIPs involved in the ordering, insertion and maintenance of indwelling urinary catheters, including in the pediatric population. In addition, patient and family education on CAUTI prevention and symptoms of a UTI while hospitalized (and if discharged with an indwelling catheter) has been added. Processes to ensure consistent documentation in the medical record are being developed, along with a process to consistently monitor the effectiveness of our prevention procedures
The Joint Commission requires education on CAUTIs upon hire and on an ongoing basis, including a competence component. Mandatory education to staff/LIPs will be assigned through HealthStream the middle of November with a due date of Dec. 31, 2016. Ongoing competency monitoring processes will begin Jan. 1, 2017.