Miss Georgia Matterson1, Prof. Phillip Russo1,2,3, Dr Nicole White5, Prof. Allen Cheng4, Dr Peta Tehan4, Dr David Brain5, Dr Katrina Browne1, Dr Jennie King6, Jemma Archbold6, Dr Sally Havers7, Prof. Brett Mitchell1,2,6,8,9
1Avondale University, Cooranbong, Australia, 2Monash University, Frankston, Australia, 3Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia, 4Monash University, Clayton, Australia, 5Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia, 6Central Coast Local Health District, Gosford, Australia, 7University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 8University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia, 9Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
Biography:
Georgia Matterson is a Research Assistant at Avondale University, holding a Bachelor of Biotechnology(Hons). Her work focuses on reducing healthcare-associated infections through environmental hygiene, hand hygiene monitoring, and clinical trials. Georgia has contributed to several high-profile studies and is passionate about translating research evidence into meaningful improvements in patient safety.
Abstract:
Introduction
Urinary tract infections are among the most common healthcare‑associated infections, with many cases linked to indwelling urinary catheters, known as catheter‑associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Reducing bacterial colonisation around the urethral area before catheterisation has been shown to lower CAUTI risk, and emerging evidence suggests antiseptic use may further reduce infections. Clinicians commonly use either saline (0.9%) or chlorhexidine (0.1%) for meatal cleaning; however, practice varies considerably, and guidelines remain unclear. The lowering Catheter Associated urinary Tract infectIONs (CATION) trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and cost‑effectiveness of chlorhexidine (0.1%) compared with saline prior to catheter insertion for CAUTI prevention.
Methods
This world-first, multicentre, double-blind, parallel randomised controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted across three Australian hospitals (NSW and QLD) over a 6-8 month period. A Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) at each site will deliver the intervention five days per week, undertaking consent, meatal cleaning, catheter insertion, and follow-up for patients requiring an indwelling catheter. Ward staff will support recruitment by notifying the CNC when catheterisation is required. The primary outcome is the incidence of confirmed CAUTIs within seven days of catheter insertion. Secondary outcomes included confirmed catheter-associated asymptomatic bacteriuria (CA-ASB), time to first CAUTI, and the intervention's cost-effectiveness.
Results
The RCT will conclude in June 2026 with approximately 560 participants included. Results are expected in 2027.
Conclusions
The CATION trial will provide high-quality evidence to guide CAUTI prevention practices and inform future clinical guidelines, with the aim of improving patient outcomes.