Table 1.

Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection: Concise Summary of Guideline Recommendations (“ABCDE”)

Adherence to general infection control principles (e.g., hand hygiene, surveillance and feedback, aseptic insertion, proper maintenance, education) is important.

Bladder ultrasound may avoid indwelling catheterization.

Condom catheters or other alternatives to an indwelling catheter such as intermittent catheterization should be considered in appropriate patients.

Do not use the indwelling catheter unless you must!

Early removal of the catheter using a reminder or nurse-initiated removal protocol appears warranted.