Facility Recognized for Efforts to Reduce CAUTIs

The Stern Family Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation (CECR) of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. was recently recognized by the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) for its efforts in significantly reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in its facility. The CECR received the 2010 Pinnacle Award for Quality and Patient Safety at the organization’s annual membership conference on June 23 in Bolton Landing, N.Y.

Of more than 130 nominated projects, the CECR’s initiative to reduce CAUTIs -- a common healthcare-acquired bacterial infection – was judged among the best in the state.  The CECR created a multidisciplinary task force and implemented a facility-wide approach to address the problem. Thanks to the effort, the CECR reduced by 75 percent its number of CAUtis from 2006 to 2009. 

“I applaud the diligence of our entire medical, nursing, quality and infection control staff in reducing and preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and improving the quality and safety of the care that we deliver to patients,” said Maureen McClusky, executive director of the Stern CECR.  “As a result of the initiative, we also were able to decrease patients’ length of stay, reduce the cost of treatment and increase the efficiency of our nursing staff.”

To reduce facility-acquired urinary tract infections, the project included revising policy and procedures, creating a standard of practice to remove catheters quickly (within 24 hours), interdisciplinary staff education, adhering to strict infection control protocols, and continuous medical and nursing assessment of long-term catheter use.

Established in 1989, the 256-bed Stern Family CECR is located on the campus of North Shore University Hospital. The facility specializes in short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing and extended care services.