Cost-effective application of the centers for disease control guideline for prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections

To decrease UTIc in a cost-efficient manner, efforts should be concentrated in areas that have been shown to be beneficial. These include the following measures: have an established infection control program; catheterize patients only when necessary, by using aseptic technique, sterile equipment, and trained personnel; maintain a closed sterile drainage system; do not disconnect the catheter and drainage tubing unless absolutely necessary; remove the catheter as soon as possible; and follow and reinforce good handwashing technique. Changing indwelling catheters at arbitrary fixed intervals and regular bacteriologic monitoring of catheterized patients are not cost-effective practices and should not be performed. Other measures should be avoided until further data are available. New products that appear to be questionable or gimmicky probably are and should also be avoided.