CAUTI Prevention Gains Ground in U.S. Hospitals, Survey Shows
A cross-sectional survey found that more VA and nonfederal hospitals reported using three key practices to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections in 2025 than in 2005. Adoption increased for portable bladder scanners, catheter reminders or stop orders, and nurse-initiated catheter removal, although use remained below universal. The rise in prevention practices coincided with national declines in CAUTIs and other healthcare-associated infections between 2015 and 2023.
Six survey waves compared VA and nonfederal hospitals. Portable bladder scanner use rose in both from 2005 to 2025. Catheter reminders or stop orders also increased, as did nurse-initiated catheter removal, measured from 2009. Yet adoption stayed incomplete; by 2025, fewer than two-fifths of VA hospitals and under three-fifths of nonfederal hospitals reported nurse-led discontinuation.
These changes coincided with national declines in CAUTIs and other healthcare-associated infections among hospitalized patients from 2015 to 2023. By 2025, nearly all hospitals had surveillance systems, and most monitored catheter duration and removal. Researchers identified daily reassessment, reminders or stop orders, and nurse-initiated removal as especially valuable practices.
Wider adoption of these prevention steps may reduce catheter-related infections, shortening hospital stays and lowering costs for patients and health systems. Patients with indwelling catheters, especially frail or critically ill people, could benefit most. Yet uneven uptake may mean safety gains remain inconsistent across hospitals. Clinicians and infection-control teams may face ongoing pressure to sustain daily catheter checks amid competing demands.