Catheter-associated bacteriuria is the result of the widespread
practice of urinary catheterization.3 Despite this clear association,
IUC use is ubiquitous. It is estimated that at least 25% of hospitalized
patients have an IUC.4 Nearly 50% of surgical patients remain
catheterized beyond 48 hours postoperatively,5 and, in the medical
population, approximately 50% of patients do not have a clear
indication for indwelling urinary catheters.6 Catheters may be
inappropriately retained for days because of convenience, misunderstanding
of their necessity/appropriateness, or lack of clear
orders for removal.7 Therefore, efforts to reduce CAUTI prevalence
must focus on evidence-based use of IUCs during insertion, maintenance,
and removal