The UriCath Study: Characterization of the Use of Indwelling Urinary Catheters Among Hospitalized Older Patients in the Internal Medicine Departments of Portugal

Almeida, P; Duque, S; Araújo, A; Vilas-Boas, A; Novais, A; Gruner, H; Gorjão Clara, J

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.17/4812

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Abstract(s)

Purpose: Approximately 25% of older inpatients have an indwelling urinary catheter (IUC), 45-54% unnecessarily. This study aims to describe the prevalence, indications, and complications of IUC use in Portuguese older inpatients. Methods: Multicentric, cross-sectional, observational study conducted in Portuguese internal medicine wards (UriCath). Results: Of a total of 3135 inpatients from 39 hospitals, we included 628 patients with 65 years old or more using an IUC, mean age 82.0 ± 7.5. Prevalence of IUC use was 20.0%. The average Barthel Index was 44.0 ± 37.3 and Charlson comorbidity Index was 7.0 ± 2.8. The main reasons for IUC use were: urinary output monitoring (47.5%), urinary retention (22.5%), and pressure ulcers (11.0%). The IUC removal was attempted in 9.1% and 24.7% developed a complication. Conclusion: IUC use among older inpatients is prevalent and often inappropriate. Clinical awareness and development guidelines for restricted use of IUC are essential to reduce morbimortality and healthcare costs.

Keywords

CHLC MED Aged, 80 and over Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects Humans Cross-Sectional Studies Portugal / epidemiology Urinary Catheterization / adverse effects Urinary Catheters* / adverse effects Urinary Tract Infections*