The Prevention of Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections by Implementing Noble-Metal Coated Urinary Catheters.

Abstract

Catheter associated urinary tract infections, otherwise known as “CAUTI”, are one of the most frequent healthcare-associated infections. Some outcomes of CAUTI’s include increased mortality, prolonged hospital stay, as well as increased healthcare costs related to infections. (CDC, 2024). Urinary tract infections due to urinary catheterization had the highest number of infections, greater than 560,000, compared to other healthcare-associated infections. (CDC, 2024). Additionally, deaths associated with catheter associated urinary tract infections had estimates of over 13,000, with a mortality rate of 2.3%. (CDC, 2024). To combat the incidence of CAUTI in healthcare, noble metal alloy coated catheters were introduced as an alternative to catheters without noble metal alloy coating. The purpose of noble metal alloy coated catheters is to reduce the risk of bacterial colonization within the body system by acting against the biofilm over the indwelling catheter ((Kai-Larsen, Y. et al., 2021; Sun, Y. et al., 2020). Through analyzing research, results of studies on patients receiving short-term urinary catheterization had a positive outcome as a result of the usage of noble-metal alloy coating. In conclusion, the use of noble-metal alloy urinary catheters is an effective intervention in reducing bacteriuria and CAUTI in patients requiring short-term urinary catheterization. (Sun, Y. et al., 2020)