ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and predisposing factors were determined for inappropriate urinary catheterization (UC) among inpatients in medical wards. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted including all patients aged ¡Ý18 years admitted to medical wards in a 1300-bed tertiary-care centre, and who had a urinary catheter in place on the day of the survey. Results Of 380 patients observed, 46 (12.1%) had a urinary catheter in place. Twelve of them (26.1%) were inappropriately catheterized. The most common indication for inappropriate UC was urine output monitoring in a cooperative, non-critically ill patient. Inappropriateness was associated with increased age, poor functional status, urinary incontinence, dementia, and admission from a long-term care facility. Conclusions Further educational efforts should be focused on improving catheterization prescribing practices by physicians
INTRODUCCIÓN: Pretendemos analizar la prevalencia y los factores asociados al empleo inapropiado de catéteres urinarios (CU) en los servicios médicos. MÉTODOS: Realizamos un estudio de corte transversal que incluyó a todos los pacientes (≥ 18 años) ingresados en servicios médicos de un centro de tercer nivel de 1.300 camas y que eran portadores de CU el día de la observación. Resultados: De los 380 pacientes observados, 46 (12,1%) eran portadores de un CU. La cateterización fue juzgada inapropiada en 12 de ellos (26,1%). El motivo más habitual para el uso inapropiado de CU fue la monitorización de la diuresis en un paciente colaborador y no crítico. El uso inapropiado de CU se asoció con la edad, la situación funcional, la presencia de incontinencia urinaria, el diagnóstico de demencia y la institucionalización previa. Conclusiones: Es preciso mejorar los hábitos de prescripción de CU mediante esfuerzos educativos específicos
Subject(s)
Humans , Unnecessary Procedures , Urinary Catheters , Diuresis , Risk Factors , Patient Compliance , Dementia/epidemiology , Urinary Incontinence/epidemiologyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and predisposing factors were determined for inappropriate urinary catheterization (UC) among inpatients in medical wards. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted including all patients aged ≥ 18 years admitted to medical wards in a 1300-bed tertiary-care centre, and who had a urinary catheter in place on the day of the survey. RESULTS: Of 380 patients observed, 46 (12.1%) had a urinary catheter in place. Twelve of them (26.1%) were inappropriately catheterized. The most common indication for inappropriate UC was urine output monitoring in a cooperative, non-critically ill patient. Inappropriateness was associated with increased age, poor functional status, urinary incontinence, dementia, and admission from a long-term care facility. CONCLUSIONS: Further educational efforts should be focused on improving catheterization prescribing practices by physicians.
