Reducing Gram-negative bloodstream infections – urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are reported as a leading cause of E. coli and Gram-negative bloodstream infections. This section outlines the recommended actions to take to reduce infections linked to this source.

Action: implement prevention guidelines

Implement the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Public Health England (PHE) guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of UTIs.

Action: review compliance

Review compliance with best practice across the health care economy.

  • Best practice guide – This best practice guide (2018/19) has been developed as a tool for commissioners, continence leads and those involved with the care pathway for patients with continence problems (provided by the unplanned admissions committee).

Action: plan for UTI CQUIN

Ensure that acute providers have plans to achieve the UTI commissioning for quality and innovation (CQUIN).

Action: provide diagnosis support

Ensure that in primary care all providers are supported in the accurate diagnosis of UTIs by putting in place support for effective systems.

Action: review management

Review management of recurrent UTI.

Action: establish provider point prevalence for UTIs

Use the NICE definitions to establish provider point prevalence for UTI and measure continuous improvement.

  • Urinary tract infection – All NICE products on UTI. Includes guidance, advice, NICE Pathways and quality standards.

Action: review services

Review services commissioned for managing incontinence and check against best practice.

Action: review catheter training and audit

Ensure aseptic non touch technique (ANTT) training and audit is in place for all provider organisations, including primary care where catheter work is undertaken.

Action: implement a system wide approach

Implement a system wide approach to catheter assessment and management.

Action: work to best practice standards

Review catheter management practises against best practice, in hours and out of hours response to blocked and bypassing catheters.

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