Reviewed by Clare Marlin, MS, BSN, CIC, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) may prolong hospitalizations, add medical care costs, and contribute to potentially preventable complications. CAUTI prevention bundles’ ongoing implementation and evolution, led by nurses at the bedside, are critical for patients’ safety and health.
At a multinetwork healthcare system, it was identified that the availability of a male external urinary catheter (EUC) as a component of the CAUTI prevention bundle decreased the risk of CAUTI development. Yet, the use of indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) was found to have no difference between males and females. In an evidence-based nurse led initiative and collaboration, a female EUC device was introduced to the CAUTI prevention bundle in October of 2019.
Following the implementation of the female EUC, the CAUTI rate per 1,000 device days decreased 38% from fiscal years 2017-2019 to 2020-2022.
A multi-pronged approach to staff education regarding the use of the female EUC was taken at the device’s introduction and included nursing team members and providers. Advocating for nursing engagement with vigilant IUC assessment and evaluation, while having the female EUC available as an alternative to the IUC, contributed to the CAUTI prevention bundles’ active implementation.
In October of 2020, nurses were assessed on their experience utilizing the female EUC, with a 30% response rate. The survey indicated a statistically significant endorsement for the use of the female EUC. Additionally, the survey identified ongoing and supportive education on the care practices of the female EUC including best placement and suction management.
Nursing partners continue to be advocates for advancing infection prevention practices through the implementation of evidence-based practice.
Reference:
Moore, J., Wall, A., Merenguelli, R., Smith, C., Thayer, L., & Rivera-Vinas, J. (2025). Female external urinary catheters: A nurse-led intervention. American Nurse Journal, 20(09), 13–17. https://doi.org/10.51256/anj092513