Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the leading cause of significant patient morbidity, resource use and contribution to antimicrobial resistance, they are also highly associated with E.coli and gram-negative blood stream infections. According to local data analysis, UTIs are the most common reason for antibiotic prescribing in older adults with co-morbidities in health and social care settings.
The available evidence, while limited, suggests that more work needs to be done towards effective prevention, treatment, management, and close monitoring of UTIs and CAUTIs. Considering the above, the Integrated Care Board (ICB) Infection Prevention and Control team (IPCT) reinstated the UTI and Catheter Care Workstream across Herts and West Essex in May 2023. This work is sub divided into the following priorities:
1. Communication, 2. Baseline data, 3. UTI Prevention, 4. UTI diagnosis/treatment, 5. Management of urinary catheters, 6. Training
The group have recruited relevant health and social care professionals from various health and social care organisations within the HWE ICS system alongside patient participation representatives (PPG) and have organised Task and Finish Groups to tackle each of the six priorities above. To date, the group have tackled Priorities 1 to 4 and have proposed recommendations for system partners to implement at local level.
We encourage all care providers to engage in all aspects of this workstream by:
· Ensuring best practice for insertion and maintenance of urinary catheter
· Ensuring that patients with urinary catheters have a catheter passport
Update Catheter Passport: A revised Catheter Passport has been adapted from the national version for HWE ICS, it has been divided into patient and Clinical sections and includes important details on consent and supplies. This update aims to improve clarity and support both patients and health and social care professionals in catheter care. Click here to view.
· Enhancing hydration strategies to reduce UTI
· Compliance with national guidance around To Dip or not To Dip (TDONTD)
If you require further information please contact the ICB IPC Team on Hwe.hcai@nhs.net