Mary H. Wilde

Nursing Interventions to Reduce the Risk of Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection: Part 2

BACKGROUND The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has enacted 2 policies that have focused considerable attention on the optimal use of indwelling catheters in the acute and long-term care settings and the prevention of complications including catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). OBJECTIVES This is the second of a 2-part Evidence-Based Report Card reviewing current evidence pertaining to nursing actions for prevention of CAUTI in patients with short- and long-term indwelling catheters. Part 2 reviews multiple interventions for CAUTI prevention including staff education, monitoring of catheter use and CAUTI incidence, insertion technique, urethral meatal care, securement, use of a closed drainage system, bladder irrigation, frequency of catheter change, and antiseptic solutions in the drainage bag. SEARCH STRATEGY Nursing actions for prevention of CAUTI were identified based on search of electronic databases and Web-based search engines for national or international clinical practice guidelines focusing on this topic. Evidence related to the above nursing interventions was identified by searching electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, the ancestry of articles identified in these searches and Google scholar. RESULTS Limited evidence suggests that the following interventions reduce the incidence of CAUTI in patients managed by short-term indwelling catheterization: (1) staff education about catheter management, combined with regular monitoring of CAUTI incidence, (2) a facility-wide program to ensure catheterization only when indicated and prompt removal of indwelling catheters, (3) daily cleansing of the urethral meatus using soap and water or perineal cleanser, and (4) maintenance of a closed urinary drainage system. Mixed evidence suggests that use of a preconnected system reduces inadvertent interruption of a closed urinary drainage system and may prevent CAUTI. Limited evidence suggests that routine catheter changes every 4 to 6 weeks reduce CAUTI incidence in patients managed by long-term catheterization. Existed evidence suggests that the following interventions are not effective for reducing CAUTI incidence: (1) use of sterile technique for catheter insertion, (2) use of antiseptic solutions or ointments during routine meatal care, (3) use of a 2-chambered urinary drainage bag, (4) use of antiseptic filters incorporated into a urinary drainage bag, (5) bladder or catheter irrigation, (6) frequent changes of the urinary drainage bag, and (7) placement of an antiseptic solution in the urinary drainage bag. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Evidence from parts 1 and 2 of this Evidence-Based Report Card provides a sound basis for designing an evidence-based program to prevent CAUTI. Essential elements of a CAUTI prevention program include staff education, ongoing monitoring of CAUTI incidence, monitoring catheter insertion and ensuring prompt removal, and careful attention to techniques for catheterization and catheter care.

Why embodiment now

Embodiment is a promising new area for theory development, but several issues impair its evolution, including confusion over terminology and a lack of organization of existing literature. Embodiment is defined, based on the philosophy of Merleau-Ponty. Works of scholars and current debate about embodiment are summarized. Embodied meanings of illness are explored in terms of their relevance for nursing.

Life with an Indwelling Urinary Catheter: The Dialectic of Stigma and Acceptance

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenology was to describe and interpret the lived experience of long-term users of urinary catheters. Living with a urinary catheter involved a dialectical swing between acknowledgment that the catheter was “a part of me” and feelings of alienation and vulnerability when it was experienced as a stigma. Themes include Adjusting to embodied changes by perceiving the catheter as a “part of me,” Shame and responding to shame by normalizing, and Embarrassment and coping with embarrassment by humor. Providers can minimize stigma related to the visibility of the catheter by coaching patients in strategies to manage going out of the home with a minimum of urine accidents or by helping develop ways to conceal the urine bag.

Nursing interventions to reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection. Part 1: Catheter selection.

BACKGROUND The urinary system is the most common site for all hospital-acquired infections, accounting for approximately 40% of all nosocomial infections. The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has enacted 2 policies that have focused considerable attention on the optimal use of indwelling catheters in the acute and long-term care settings and the prevention of complications including catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). OBJECTIVES This is the first of a 2-part Evidence-Based Report Card reviewing current evidence pertaining to nursing actions for prevention of CAUTIs in patients with short- and long-term indwelling catheters. Part 1 reviews evidence for materials for catheter construction, including incorporation of antimicrobial substances into the catheter, and selection of catheter size. SEARCH STRATEGY Nursing actions for prevention of CAUTIs were identified based on search of electronic databases and Web-based search engines for national or international clinical practice guidelines focusing on this topic. Evidence related to 2 common nursing interventions, selection of the material of construction and selection of catheter size, was identified by searching electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and the ancestry of articles identified in these searches. RESULTS We found robust evidence supporting insertion of a silver alloy-coated catheter to reduce the risk of CAUTIs for up to 2 weeks in adult patients managed by short-term indwelling catheterization. We also found evidence supporting the insertion of an antibiotic-impregnated catheter for reduction of CAUTI risk for up to 7 days. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether regular use of an antimicrobial catheter reduces the risk of CAUTIs in adults managed with long-term indwelling catheterization. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether selection of a latex catheter, hydrogel-coated latex catheter, silicone-coated latex catheter, or all- silicone catheter influences CAUTI risk. Expert opinion suggests that selection of a smaller French-sized catheter reduces CAUTI risk, but evidence is lacking. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Insertion of an antimicrobial catheter, either silver alloy or antimicrobial coated, is recommended for patients with short-term indwelling catheterization. There is insufficient evidence to recommend their use in patients managed by long-term indwelling catheterization. Selection of smaller French sizes for short- or long-term catheterization is thought to improve comfort and reduce CAUTI risk, but further research is needed to substantiate these best practice recommendations.

A qualitative descriptive study of self-management issues in people with long-term intermittent urinary catheters

AIM The study was to identify and describe issues of intermittent urinary catheter users for future self-management research and/or training programmes. BACKGROUND Limited studies were found of how people using clean intermittent catheterization manage their daily routines or troubleshoot problems. Self-management research related to intermittent catheterization could lead to improved compliance with the method and better quality of life. METHOD This qualitative descriptive study involved in-depth tape-recorded telephone interviews in 2008-2009 with 34 people in the United States of America using permanent intermittent catheterization, mostly individuals with spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. Recruitment was through Internet sites where individuals could link to the study website and then contact the researchers. The sample included 13 men and 21 women aged 21-72 years (mean 42 years). Content analysis for qualitative data involved iterative comparisons of transcripts, summaries and memos. Coding, key quotes and tables were developed to determine themes. FINDINGS Six major themes were identified: Knowing the Body, Practising Intermittent Catheterization, Limited Options in Catheters and Equipment, Inaccessible Bathrooms, Hassles, and Adjustment in Making Intermittent Catheterization a Part of Life. While some persons had choices in catheters, many did not because of insurance constraints. Some individuals developed knowledge of how to balance the procedure with fluid intake and activities. CONCLUSION The lack of acceptable bathrooms can interfere with being able to go to work, travel or be with friends and family. All using intermittent catheterization should have adequate insurance coverage when this is needed. Research into training programmes could incorporate knowledge of experienced users.

Preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections in acute care: the bundle approach.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections account for 40% of all nosocomial infections. A multidisciplinary team implemented evidence-based guidelines and a urinary catheter bundle, focusing on optimizing the use of urinary catheters through continual assessment and prompt catheter removal. Data were obtained on catheter device days, compliance with urinary catheter orders, and computer documentation of continued catheter indications. Results included an overall reduction of 71% in catheter device days and a 56% reduction in catheter use.

Study on the use of long-term urinary catheters in community-dwelling individuals.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and distribution of catheter-related problems in long-term indwelling urinary catheter users. We also sought to assess appropriateness of catheter use and examine relationships among catheter complications and catheter care practices. DESIGN This repeated-measures study involved self-reported data collection by recall at intake and by prospective data collection at 2, 4, and 6 months in long-term urinary catheter users. SUBJECTS AND SETTING Two sampling arms were used: a home care (HC) agency with 10 individuals and the Internet with 33 people having spinal cord injury. METHODS Home visit and follow-up telephone call interviews were used with the participants from the HC agency. Data were self-administered through SurveyMonkey in the Internet sample, and communication was through e-mail, telephone, and postal mail. Analysis included descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equation techniques to adjust for within-subject variation over time. RESULTS All study participants had at least 1 catheter-related problem during 8 months, and many had multiple, recurring problems. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) was reported by 70%, blockage by 74%, leakage by 79%, and accidental dislodgement by 33%. Key tests of associations (generalized estimating equation) predicted that catheter size contributed to CAUTI, with significant covariates of female gender and younger age. The presence of sediment in the urine on the day of the survey predicted catheter blockage. CONCLUSION The incidence of all complications was higher than expected. Problems associated with long-term indwelling catheter use may contribute to excess healthcare utilization adversely affecting both users and their families.

Understanding urinary catheter problems from the patient's point of view.

Nurses are provided with a unique viewpoint in this article by examining the lived experience of individuals with long-term urinary catheters. Fourteen adults (ages 35–95) who had used a catheter from 6 months to 18 years were interviewed. In their own words, study participants discussed how they respond to catheter-related problems, urinary tract infection, leaking/ blocking, catheter discomfort, and autonomic dysreflexia. Using this insight will help clinicians implement mutually developed care-plan goals with patients as partners.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections: fact sheet.

Prevalence and IncidenceCatheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are one of the most frequent infections today:The daily risk of developing CAUTI is 3% to 7% in the acute care setting.1CAUTI comprise 40% of all institutionally acquired infections.2There is an 8% prevalence of CAUTI in th

A pilot study of self‐monitoring urine flow in people with long‐term urinary catheters

Self-monitoring of urine flow may be beneficial in preventing catheter-related problems. An intervention was pilot tested using a single group design with 11 individuals over 6 months. Feasibility of the intervention, performance of new measures (awareness, self-monitoring, and self- management of urine flow), and health outcomes were assessed. The intervention was well received by participants, none of whom withdrew voluntarily from the study. All data were collected at intake, and bimonthly at 2, 4, and 6 months. Nine of 11 participants reported that the intervention had helped them to pay attention to fluid intake. Episodes of UTI decreased over the course of the intervention, with the greatest drop between 2 and 4 months.