Catheter-Associated UTI Prevention Audit

Audit template for evaluating CAUTI prevention practices, including catheter insertion technique, daily necessity assessment, maintenance care, and timely removal.

Patient Indication and Order Review

• Documented indication for indwelling urinary catheter is present
  Confirm the chart includes a valid clinical indication for catheter placement, such as urinary retention, accurate hourly output in a critically ill patient, perioperative use, or another facility-approved indication.
• Provider order or protocol supports catheter use
  Verify there is an active order, protocol, or documented authorization for catheter placement and continued use.
• Daily necessity assessment documented within last 24 hours
  Confirm the record shows a daily review of whether the catheter is still needed.
• Alternative urine management options considered when appropriate
  Check whether non-indwelling options were considered when the catheter is no longer clearly indicated.

Insertion Technique and Aseptic Practice

• Hand hygiene performed before catheter insertion
  Observe documentation or direct practice showing hand hygiene occurred immediately before insertion.
• Sterile equipment and aseptic technique used during insertion
  Confirm sterile catheter kit, sterile gloves, and aseptic insertion technique were used throughout the procedure.
• Perineal/meatal antisepsis completed before insertion
  Verify appropriate antiseptic preparation of the insertion site was performed according to facility protocol.
• Catheter size selected appropriately
  Confirm the smallest appropriate catheter size was used to reduce urethral trauma and infection risk.

Catheter Maintenance Bundle

• Closed drainage system maintained
  Check that the catheter and drainage tubing remain a closed system with no unnecessary disconnections.
• Drainage bag positioned below bladder level
  Verify the drainage bag is secured below the level of the bladder and not resting on the floor.
• Tubing unobstructed and free of dependent loops
  Confirm tubing is not kinked, compressed, or looped in a way that impedes urine flow.
• Meatal/perineal care performed per protocol
  Verify routine hygiene is performed using facility-approved frequency and method.
• Urine output and characteristics monitored and documented
  Confirm output is measured and charted, and abnormal findings are escalated per protocol.

Removal and Ongoing Necessity

• Catheter removed as soon as no longer indicated
  Confirm removal occurred promptly after the clinical need ended or the order was discontinued.
• Removal date and time documented
  Verify the chart includes the date and time of catheter removal.
• Post-removal monitoring plan documented when applicable
  Check for a documented plan to monitor voiding, retention, or other follow-up needs after removal.
• Escalation completed for overdue catheter removal
  If the catheter remained in place beyond the expected timeframe, verify escalation to the responsible clinician occurred.

Audit Notes and Corrective Actions

• Deficiencies documented with clear corrective actions
  Summarize any non-conformances and the immediate or planned corrective action.
• Inspector signature
  Capture the inspector's sign-off for the completed audit.