HOUDINI: make that urinary catheter disappear – nurse-led protocol

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most common healthcare associated infection in acute hospitals. The risk of developing a catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) increases the longer a urinary catheter remains in situ. Although criteria for insertion and continuation are known, there are few tools to aid with removal decision making. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a nurse-led HOUDINI urinary catheter removal protocol in reducing the number of days of urinary catheter usage, thus potentially reducing the associated risk of a CAUTI.