This episode of Key in to Quality explores how a multidisciplinary team at Mayo Clinic Arizona reduced catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) by approximately 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite increased patient acuity, greater catheter use, and the operational challenges of the pandemic, the team achieved lasting improvements through collaboration, frontline engagement, and continuous learning.

Rather than relying on a single intervention, the team brought together infection prevention, nursing, quality, leadership, and performance improvement experts to identify contributing factors, test solutions, and use data to guide decisions. A culture of psychological safety and a no-blame approach encouraged open communication and problem-solving, while unit-based CAUTI champions helped drive local improvements and share successful practices.

The effort not only reduced infection rates beyond external benchmarks but also strengthened teamwork, increased frontline engagement, and created sustainable infrastructure for ongoing improvement. The team's experience reinforces that successful quality improvement depends on both technical methods and human factors, with trust, adaptability, and collaboration serving as the foundation for lasting change.

Gina Hull, M.S.N., R.N., CIC, LinkedIn

Eric Siebeneck, M.S., LinkedIn

Christine “Chris” Aliory

Brigid Kiley, M.S., R.N., C.C.R.N., S.P.E.C.

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

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