Standardizing the definition and measurement of catheter-related infection in home care: a proposed outcome measurement system.

The growth of home health care has not been met with an equal level of clinical outcome data to objectively evaluate the quality and cost effectiveness of care provided in that sector. In response, outcome based initiatives have been introduced to address this issue. However, none have adequately addressed the incidence and impact of catheter-related infection (CRI) in the home due to the complexities of measurement in this environment. An outcomes-oriented process to standardize the definition, measurement and reporting of CRI has been developed that addresses the realities of home care in order to foster continued outcomes research and standardized comparisons between providers.