Holy Moly Remove My Foley!

Catheter associated urinary tract infections are a preventable source of harm to patients. “Holey Moly, Remove my Foley” is the tag line for a new program at WellStar Kennestone Hospital aimed at reducing those infections. A card will be placed in the chart to alert the rounding provider that a patient’s foley may not meet best practice protocols. Physicians will be prompted to remove the catheter or justify its continued use.

Indications for a foley catheter:  

• Perioperative use for selected surgical / invasive procedures
• Urine output monitoring in critically ill patients
• Management for acute urinary retention and urinary obstruction
• Assistance in pressure ulcer healing for incontinent patients
• End of life comfort care measures
• Alternatives to a foley catheter
• External catheters
• Intermittent catheterization multiple times a day
• Utilizing bladder scan to assess urinary retention instead of catheter
• Timed voiding
• Manage constipation/impaction (increases urinary incontinence)