Pilot study protocol may reduce infection risk

A pilot study involving a novel post-catheter removal bladder management protocol at a hospital resulted in decreased catheter utilization and catheter days. The authors believe the protocol may decrease unnecessary indwelling urinary catheters in patients with transient urinary retention, reducing the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Units received a checklist of each step in the protocol. Physicians, nurses and nursing assistants received education materials and met with the nursing manager, nurse educator and medical officer before starting. A physician placed an order into the electronic health record of eligible patients to aid in tracking and compliance, and nursing staff received reminders with instructions for following the protocol’s next steps. Indwelling urinary catheter use significantly decreased from 0.28 to 0.24 with a 14% reduction. (American Journal of Infection Control study, 6/11/24)