Near-perfect compliance with SCIP Inf-9 had no effect on catheter utilization or urinary tract infections at an academic medical center

Abstract Background The Joint Commission's SCIP Inf-9 mandated early removal of indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs), but the impact of compliance on catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) and postoperative urinary retention (POUR) are unknown. Methods Retrospective pre- and post-intervention study at a single tertiary academic medical center of all patients undergoing general surgery procedures with an IUC placed at the time of surgery who were admitted for at least two days before and after a Best Practice Advisory was put in place to improve compliance with SCIP Inf-9. Results A total of 1036 patients were included (468 pre-intervention; 568 post-intervention). POUR occurred in 13% of patients and CAUTI in 0.8%. There was no change in POUR, CAUTI, or catheter utilization after the Best Practice Advisory was initiated. Both POUR and CAUTI predicted longer lengths of stay. Conclusions Near-perfect SCIP Inf-9 compliance had no effect on the CAUTI rate at our institution. Summary Implementation of a Best Practice Advisory that ensured near-perfect compliance with a SCIP process measure designed for early indwelling urinary catheter removal had no measurable effect on catheter associated urinary tract infections, catheter utilization, or urinary retention. Early catheter removal was associated with double the odds of urinary retention.