Objective To explore the effect of applying comprehensive unit-based safety program (CUSP) in catheter safety management for surgical patients. Methods A total of 3 825 patients keeping at least one catheter/tube in place after surgery were divided by chronological order into a control group (n=1 861) which was subjected to routine catheter/tube management, and an intervention group (n=1 964), who was managed with CUSP, in which, researchers made the following moves of organizing trainings, assembling the team, identifying defects through meaning construction, and implementing teamwork and communication, before analyzing problems lying in catheter/tube safety in the ward, and formulating and implementing catheter/tube safety intervention measures. Results The incidence rate of unplanned extubation in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group; result of catheter/tube assessment score in quality control inspection in the former group was significantly higher than in the latter group (P＜0.05 for both).Nurses′ safety culture scores after rollout of the program were higher than before. Conclusion CUSP management mode could reduce the incidence rate of unplanned extubation, improve nurses′ awareness of catheter assessment and quality of catheter care.