OBJECTIVE - To evaluate the impact of an intervention regarding the adequate use and improvement in the care of indwelling urinary catheters (IUC) and the frequency of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in hospitalised patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS - A quasi-experimental study was performed. Basic data on the use of IUC were recorded before and after the intervention, which consisted of training on IUC use and the implementation of reminders for their removal.
RESULTS - There were 197 patients in the pre-intervention period and 194 in the post-intervention period. There was a non-significant decrease in the prevalence (17.3% versus 15.3%) and days with IUC (4.8±5.8 versus 4.3±4.2). There was an increase in adequately prescribed (41.1% versus 61.9%; P<.001) and attached IUC (0% vs 38.1%; P<.001), and a decrease in the urine collection bags on the floor (26.4% vs 6,2%; P<.001). The increase in the appropriate indications for IUC (86.8% vs 92.3%) and the decrease in CAUTI incidence density (2.1 vs 1.2 episodes/1,000 catheter days) were not significant, although above the standards.
CONCLUSIONS - After the intervention there was a significant increase in the number of adequately prescribed and attached IUC, and a decrease in the number of urine collection bags on the floor. Improvement in IUC indication and frequency of CAUTI reached the quality standards. Educational activities and the use of reminders improve safety of hospitalised patients with IUC.
Revista de calidad asistencial : organo de la Sociedad Espanola de Calidad Asistencial. 2015 Dec 16 [Epub ahead of print]
A Smithson, L Bosch, X Ramos, V Martínez-Santana
Unidad de Infecciones, Fundació Hospital de l'Esperit Sant, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Barcelona, España. Enfermería, Fundació Hospital de l'Esperit Sant, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Barcelona, España., Servicio de Medicina Interna, Fundació Hospital de l'Esperit Sant, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Barcelona, España., Servicio de Farmacia. Fundació Hospital de l'Esperit Sant, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Barcelona, España.