Title : Translating evidence into practice: Prophylactic strategies to reduce CAUTI in inpatient rehabilitation
Abstract:
An intentional, evidence-based approach is essential to strengthening patient safety and reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in inpatient rehabilitation. While prevention strategies are well established, variability in practice can limit their consistent application, particularly for high-risk and diverse patient populations. This poster highlights a structured evidence-based practice (EBP) review conducted to evaluate prophylactic CAUTI prevention strategies and translate findings into practical, nurse-driven recommendations. This work supports alignment between evidence, culturally responsive clinical decision-making, and patient-centered outcomes while establishing a strong foundation for future practice improvement. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) remain a significant source of preventable harm in inpatient rehabilitation, particularly among patients with prolonged catheterization and complex clinical conditions such as spinal cord injury, neurogenic bladder, immunocompromise, and high contamination risk. Although evidence-based prevention strategies exist, opportunities remain to strengthen consistency in how these interventions are applied across clinical settings. This variability may be influenced by differences in patient needs, health literacy, cultural preferences, and access to resources, highlighting the importance of individualized, culturally responsive care. To address this opportunity, a structured evidence-based practice (EBP) review was conducted using the Ask, Gather, Appraise, and Act framework. A focused PICO question guided the review, evaluating prophylactic strategies—including both antibiotic and non-antibiotic interventions—for patients with indwelling Foley catheters. Literature from PubMed, CINAHL, and clinical guidelines was appraised, with emphasis on interventions that reduce CAUTI risk while supporting antimicrobial stewardship. Findings consistently support a multimodal, nurse-driven approach to CAUTI prevention. Key strategies include standardized catheter protocols, use of antimicrobial-coated catheters in high-risk populations, enhanced periurethral cleansing and hygiene practices, early catheter removal strategies, and ongoing nurse education. In addition, structured documentation and real-time monitoring were identified as critical components to improving process reliability and supporting sustained practice change. This work reinforces the importance of translating high-quality evidence into practical, culturally responsive, and actionable interventions at the bedside. By aligning high-impact strategies with existing workflows while considering individual patient needs and preferences, the EBP process supports consistent application of prevention practices and strengthens clinical decision-making across disciplines. As a result of this review, targeted practice recommendations were developed to support standardization of care for high-risk patients while maintaining a patient-centered and culturally responsive approach. This work establishes a clear and sustainable pathway from evidence to practice, providing a strong foundation for future quality improvement initiatives focused on strengthening CAUTI prevention and improving patient outcomes in the inpatient rehabilitation setting.
