Urinary Tract Infections in Surgical Patients

Adherence to Evidence-Based Guidelines and Implications When Designing Electronic Documentation for Urinary Catheters

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the point prevalence and the rate of adherence to evidence-based guidelines for patients who had indwelling urinary catheters in three Australian acute care hospitals.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional observational design was used.

METHODS

A multisite cross-sectional observational design was utilised in three acute hospitals across Australia. Data were collected from each site in a single day directly from observation of the patient, the bedside notes and medical records. The data collected included observations of clinical care and scrutiny of the documentation of the insertion details and catheter care using best practice guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the 1730 patients audited, 47% were female. The mean point prevalence of catheters in situ across three sites was 12.9%. Correct documentation compliance was reported to be, on average, 40%. Documentation was significantly better when a template was available to guide information recorded: this was regardless of whether it was hard copy or electronic. Overall, clinical care compliance with best practices was 77%. Of note for improvement was the fixing of the urinary catheter to the thigh in highly dependent patients.

CONCLUSION

It was identified that there is a need for improvement across all three sites: specifically regarding securement of the urinary catheter to the patient's thigh within the ICU. In addition, it was identified that there is a need for documentation of the urine bag change in ward areas. Documentation may be improved by incorporating templates into healthcare documentation systems in the future. Further work is needed to ensure nurses are aware of the adverse effects of urinary catheters and thus, the need to adhere to best practice guidelines.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

There has been no patient or public contribution.

REPORTING METHOD

We have adhered to the STROBE guidelines for reporting.

Reducing urinary tract infection rates in post-operative surgical patients: A quality improvement intervention

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The Scarborough Health Network joined the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) in fiscal year 2017-2018 with interest in tracking surgical outcomes in General and Vascular Surgery patients. Results of the ACS NSQIP program revealed poor outcomes in 30-day urinary tract infection (UTI) rates in this population group. Results were in the lowest quartile compared to peer hospitals. To improve patient care, SHN initiated a multi-pronged quality improvement plan (QIP).

METHODS

The QIP focused on several improvements: (1) clarify the current state and conduct a root cause analysis, (2) determine a plan to encourage early removal of catheters in post-surgical patients, (3) enhance team communication in the pre-operative, operative and post-operative care environments, and (4) improve education around UTI prevention and treatment.

RESULTS

This study demonstrates the success of the quality improvement plan to improve a peri-operative complication in surgical patients. By 2019, SHN saw a significant decrease in UTI rates, and became a top decile performer in ACS NSQIP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the feasibility and success of implementing a quality improvement project, and its methods can be adapted at other hospital sites to improve patient care.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection and urinary catheter utilization ratio over 9 years, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of infection in medical and surgical wards in a single facility in Western Qatar

INTRODUCTION

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a frequently reported healthcare-associated infection in critical and non-critical patients. Limited data are available about CAUTI incidence in non-critical patients. We aim to describe the incidence of CAUTI over 9 years and evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the incidence in non-critical acute care patients.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of CAUTI in medical-surgical and maternity wards was carried out at a public hospital in the west of the State of Qatar. Data collected included the annual CAUTI incidence (per 1,000 device days), urinary catheter utilization ratio (UC-UR), etiology, and antimicrobial resistance.

RESULTS

115,238 patient days and 6,681 urinary catheters (UC) days were recorded over the study period, and 9 and 4 CAUTI were confirmed in medical-surgical and maternity wards, respectively. The infection rate was 1.9 per 1,000 UC days, and the UC-UR was 0.06. The CAUTI rate was higher in medical-surgical wards over the COVID-19 period (2.4 × 1,000 UC days) in comparison with the non-COVID-19 period (1.7 × 1,000 UC days) (RR 1.46; 1.12-1.80). However, in the maternity ward, the result was 0 and 2.5 × 1,000 UC days during these periods, respectively. No differences were observed in the infection rate among periods for all patients (RR 1.06; 0.81-1.31). Multidrug-resistant organisms were identified in 7 patients, and non-multidrug-resistant in 6 cases.

CONCLUSION

The study findings describe a lower CAUTI risk over 9 years in non-critical acute care patients. The impact of COVID-19 on the CAUTI risk is mainly related to medical patients who had previously been admitted to critical care. The infection control program should consider these data as a benchmark for quality improvement.

Risk factors for catheter-associated urinary tract infections following radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Radical hysterectomy is the mainstay of treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. Urinary tract dysfunction is one of the most common complications after radical hysterectomy, and prolonged catheterization has previously been defined as a significant risk factor for catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer, and to identify additional risk factors for developing catheter-associated urinary tract infections in this population.

STUDY DESIGN

We reviewed patients who underwent radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer from 2004 to 2020 after institutional review board approval. All patients were identified from institutional Gynecologic Oncology surgical and tumor databases. The inclusion criterion was radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer. Exclusion criteria included inadequate hospital follow-up, insufficient records of catheter use in the electronic medical record, urinary tract injury, and preoperative chemoradiation. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection was defined as an infection diagnosed in a catheterized patient or within 48 hours of catheter removal, with significant bacteriuria (>10³ cfu/mL) and symptoms or signs attributable to the urinary tract. Data analysis was performed using comparative analysis and univariate and multivariable logistic regression using Excel, GraphPad Prism, and IBM SPSS Statistics.

RESULTS

Of the 160 included patients, 12.5% developed catheter-associated urinary tract infections. In univariate analysis, catheter-associated urinary tract infection was significantly associated with current smoking history (odds ratio, 3.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-10.08), minimally invasive surgical approach (odds ratio, 5.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.91-16.87), estimated surgical blood loss >500 mL (odds ratio, 0.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.57), operative time >300 minutes (odds ratio, 2.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-9.36), and increased duration of catheterization (odds ratio, 18.46; 95% confidence interval, 3.67-336). After adjusting for interactions and controlling for potential confounders with multivariable analysis, current smoking history and catheterization for >7 days were identified as independent risk factors for development of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (adjusted odds ratio, 3.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-12.37; adjusted odds ratio, 19.49; 95% confidence interval, 2.78-427).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative smoking cessation interventions for current smokers should be implemented to decrease risk for postoperative complications, including catheter-associated urinary tract infections. In addition, catheter removal within 7 postoperative days should be encouraged in all women undergoing radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer in an effort to decrease infection risk.

Frailty and postoperative urinary tract infection

BACKGROUND

Among older adults, postoperative urinary tract infection is associated with significant harms including increased risk of hospital readmission and perioperative mortality. While risk of urinary tract infection is known to increase with age, the independent association between frailty and postoperative urinary tract infection is unknown. In this study we used 2014-2018 data from the U.S. National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) to investigate whether frailty is an independent risk factor for postoperative urinary tract infection, controlling for age and other relevant confounders.

METHODS

Frailty was assessed using the modified Frailty Index. Postoperative urinary tract infection was defined as any symptomatic urinary tract infection (of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra) developing within 30 days of the operative procedure. To examine associations between frailty and other specific factors and postoperative urinary tract infection, chi squared tests, students t-tests, and logistic regression modelling were used.

RESULTS

Urinary tract infection was identified after 22,356 of 1,724,042 procedures (1.3%). In a multivariable model controlling for age and other patient and surgical characteristics, the relative odds for urinary tract infection increased significantly with increasing frailty score. For example, compared to a frailty score of 0, the relative odds for urinary tract infection for a frailty score of 3 was 1.50 (95% confidence interval 1.41, 1.60). The relative odds associated with the maximum frailty score (5) was 2.50 (95% confidence interval 1.73, 3.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty is associated with postoperative urinary tract infection, independent of age. Further research should focus on the underlying mechanisms and strategies to mitigate this risk among frail adults.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for Cranial Tumor Resection: A Review

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols describe a standardized method of preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care to enhance outcomes and minimize complication risks surrounding elective surgical intervention. A growing body of evidence is being generated as we learn to apply principles of ERAS standardization to neurosurgical patients. First applied in spinal surgery, ERAS protocols have been extended to cranial neuro-oncological procedures. This review synthesizes recent findings to generate evidence-based guidelines to manage neurosurgical oncology patients with standardized systems and assess ability of these systems to coordinate multidisciplinary, patient-centric care efforts. Furthermore, we highlight the potential utility of multimedia, app-based communication platforms to facilitate patient education, autonomy, and team communication within each of the three settings.

Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein as an Early Predictor of Infection in Elective Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery-a Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative infections are a common entity following elective gastrointestinal surgery among which intra-abdominal infection is notorious and life threatening. Early detection could reduce postoperative morbidity and permit safe and early discharge. This study was aimed to establish the usefulness of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) on postoperative day 3 as reliable markers for early detection of intra-abdominal infection and other postoperative infections following elective gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

METHODS

A total of 125 patients following elective gastrointestinal cancer surgery were prospectively observed until discharge from January 2018 to December 2019. The incidence of intra-abdominal infections and other postoperative infections was recorded. Serum PCT and CRP were estimated on postoperative day 3 for all the patients. ROC analysis of PCT and CRP was performed to establish their predictability in detecting these infections. Risk factors for postoperative infections were also studied.

RESULTS

The incidence of intra-abdominal infection (IAI) was 24%. The difference in PCT between the infected and non-infected patients was statistically significant (p = 0.001) but not in CRP (p = 0.223). On ROC analysis of CRP and PCT in detecting IAI, the areas under the curve were 0.494 and 0.615 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Raised serum PCT values on postoperative day 3 indicate the presence of infections and should prompt the surgeon to consider other investigations to confirm the presence of IAI and other postoperative infections and plan early intervention thus expediting the postoperative recovery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CTRI/2018/12/016695.

Evaluation of a Novel Light Scattering Methodology for the Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria in Urine

BACKGROUND

Urine culture, the gold standard for detecting and identifying bacteria in urine, is one of the highest volume tests in many microbiology laboratories. The inability to accurately predict which patients would benefit from culture leads not only to monopolization of laboratory resources, but also to unnecessary antimicrobial exposure as patients receive empirical treatment for suspected or presumed urinary tract infections (UTI) while awaiting culture results. A common approach to decrease unnecessary urine culture is screening samples using urinalysis (UA) parameters to determine those that should proceed to culture (reflex). In this study, we compared the performance of a novel uropathogen detection method to urinalysis for purposes of UTI screening.

METHODS

Urine specimens submitted for culture (n = 194) were evaluated by urinalysis and a novel light scattering device (BacterioScan 216Dx UTI System) capable of detecting the presence of bacteria in urine. Sensitivity and specificity for prediction of a positive urine culture by UA and 216Dx were determined relative to urine culture results. A positive urine culture was defined as growth in culture of one or two uropathogens at concentrations of ≥50,000 CFU/mL.

RESULTS

194 urine samples were evaluated by UA, 216Dx, and urine culture. The 216Dx demonstrated a 100% [95%CI: 88.43%-100.0%] sensitivity and 81.71% [95%CI: 74.93%-87.30%] specificity for the detection of bacteriuria, vs UA with a sensitivity of 86.67% [95%CI 69.28%-96.24%] and specificity of 71.95% [95%CI: 64.41%-78.68%] when compared to urine culture (diagnostic reference method).

CONCLUSIONS

BacterioScan allows for an alternative method of screening with satisfactory sensitivity and improved specificity that may facilitate a reduction of unnecessary cultures. Additional studies are required to determine if a concomitant decrease in inappropriate antibiotic use can be realized with the 216Dx technology.

Spatial Patterns in Hospital-Acquired Infections in Portugal (2014-2017)

BACKGROUND

Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) represent the most frequent adverse event associated with healthcare delivery and result in prolonged hospital stays and deaths worldwide.

AIM

To analyze the spatial patterns of HAI incidence from 2014 to 2017 in Portugal.

METHODS

Data from the Portuguese Discharge Hospital Register were used. We selected episodes of patients with no infection on admission and with any of the following HAI diagnoses: catheter-related bloodstream infections, intestinal infections by Clostridium difficile, nosocomial pneumonia, surgical site infections, and urinary tract infections. We calculated age-standardized hospitalization rates (ASHR) by place of patient residence. We used empirical Bayes estimators to smooth the ASHR. The Moran Index and Local Index of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) were calculated to identify spatial clusters.

RESULTS

A total of 318,218 HAIs were registered, with men accounting for 49.8% cases. The median length of stay (LOS) was 9.0 days, and 15.7% of patients died during the hospitalization. The peak of HAIs (n = 81,690) occurred in 2015, representing 9.4% of the total hospital admissions. Substantial spatial inequalities were observed, with the center region presenting three times the ASHR of the north. A slight decrease in ASHR was observed after 2015. Pneumonia was the most frequent HAI in all age groups.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of HAI is not randomly distributed in the space; clusters of high risk in the central region were seen over the entire study period. These findings may be useful to support healthcare policymakers and to promote a revision of infection control policies, providing insights for improved implementation.

Interventions and strategies to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections with short-term indwelling urinary catheters in hospitalized patients: An integrative review

AIM

To explore interventions and strategies to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections in hospitalized patients with a short-term indwelling urinary catheter.

BACKGROUND

Interventions and strategies to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections are reported in the literature, but it is not clear which might be relevant when the indwelling urinary catheter is in place for a short period of time.

METHODS

An integrative review was performed. A search was undertaken in databases using the following search terms: "urinary catheter, bladder catheter OR urethral catheter*"and "bundl* OR care OR manag* OR intervent*." Electronic databases were searched up until June 2019. Manual searching of reference lists of included studies was undertaken. Twelve studies reported in 15 articles were identified and analysed by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

Multifaceted interventions were informed by evidence-based protocols or guidelines. Implementation strategies included local adaption of guidelines or protocols, use of an opinion leader, audit and feedback, multidisciplinary team involvement, reminders and stop orders, and education and training.

CONCLUSION

Multifaceted, evidence-based interventions to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections are effective in preventing infections in patients with short-term urinary catheters. However, there is little evidence to inform which combined strategies are more likely to be effective.

Safety and efficacy of a novel neurosurgical enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for elective craniotomy: a prospective randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Although enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs have gained acceptance in various surgical specialties, no established neurosurgical ERAS protocol for patients undergoing elective craniotomy has been reported in the literature. Here, the authors describe the design, implementation, safety, and efficacy of a novel neurosurgical ERAS protocol for elective craniotomy in a tertiary care medical center located in China.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary neurosurgical ERAS protocol for elective craniotomy was developed based on the best available evidence. A total of 140 patients undergoing elective craniotomy between October 2016 and May 2017 were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial comparing this novel protocol to conventional neurosurgical perioperative management. The primary endpoint of this study was the postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS). Postoperative morbidity, perioperative complications, postoperative pain scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting, duration of urinary catheterization, time to first solid meal, and patient satisfaction were secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

The median postoperative hospital LOS (4 days) was significantly shorter with the incorporation of the ERAS protocol than that with conventional perioperative management (7 days, p < 0.0001). No 30-day readmission or reoperation occurred in either group. More patients in the ERAS group reported mild pain (visual analog scale score 1-3) on postoperative day 1 than those in the control group (79% vs. 33%, OR 7.49, 95% CI 3.51-15.99, p < 0.0001). Similarly, more patients in the ERAS group had a shortened duration of pain (1-2 days; 53% vs. 17%, OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.29-1.37, p = 0.0001). The urinary catheter was removed within 6 hours after surgery in 74% patients in the ERAS group (OR 400.1, 95% CI 23.56-6796, p < 0.0001). The time to first oral liquid intake was a median of 8 hours in the ERAS group compared to 11 hours in the control group (p < 0.0001), and solid food intake occurred at a median of 24 hours in the ERAS group compared to 72 hours in the control group (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This multidisciplinary, evidence-based, neurosurgical ERAS protocol for elective craniotomy appears to have significant benefits over conventional perioperative management. Implementation of ERAS is associated with a significant reduction in the postoperative hospital stay and an acceleration in recovery, without increasing complication rates related to elective craniotomy. Further evaluation of this protocol in large multicenter studies is warranted.Clinical trial registration no.: ChiCTR-INR-16009662 (chictr.org.cn).

PREVENTION OF CATHETER-ASSOCIATED URINARY TRACT INFECTION: WHAT IS THE GAP IN CLINICAL PRACTICE?

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the gap in the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infection. Method: an observational study conducted by an audit of process indicators in relation to the recommendations for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infection during its maintenance and handling. The collection was carried out between July and September of 2017 in an adult intensive care unit located in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The observations were made with the help of a developed instrument for the present study and the data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. Results: 451 evaluations were performed related to maintenance of the urinary catheter with a focus on its fixation, the collector bag maintenance, and volume and urinary flow of the drainage system. Regarding clinical practice gaps, inadequate fixation of the urinary catheter and drainage pocket were found, with more than three-quarters of its capacity filled (97.7% and 3.5%, respectively). Regarding the handling of 556 urinary catheters, there was non-conformity in the hygiene of the urethral meatus in 22.9% of the situations, and non-adherence to hands hygiene before and after handling the urinary catheter was 94.2% and 66.5%, respectively (p=0.002). Conclusion: isolated measures had good adherence rates, but prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infection should be based on adherence to several measures simultaneously. The prevention gap is in the awareness of health professionals that the recognized prevention measures of catheter - associated urinary tract infection should be adopted collectively in order to guarantee patient and clinical practice safety.

Paravertebral blocks and enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in breast reconstructive surgery: patient selection and perspectives

The management of postoperative pain is of critical importance for women undergoing breast reconstruction after surgical treatment for breast cancer. Mitigating postoperative pain can improve health-related quality of life, reduce health care resource utilization and costs, and minimize perioperative opiate use. Multimodal analgesia pain management strategies with nonopioid analgesics have improved the value of surgical care in patients undergoing various operations but have only recently been reported in reconstructive breast surgery. Regional anesthesia techniques, with paravertebral blocks (PVBs) and transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks, and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been increasingly utilized in opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia protocols for women undergoing breast reconstruction. The objectives of this review are to 1) comprehensively review regional anesthesia techniques in breast reconstruction, 2) outline important components of ERAS protocols in breast reconstruction, and 3) provide evidence-based recommendations regarding each intervention included in these protocols. The authors searched across six databases to identify relevant articles. For each perioperative intervention included in the ERAS protocols, the literature was exhaustively reviewed and evidence-based recommendations were generated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system methodology. This study provides a comprehensive evidence-based review of interventions to optimize perioperative care and postoperative pain control in breast reconstruction. Incorporating evidence-based interventions into future ERAS protocols is essential to ensure high value care in breast reconstruction.

Implementation of a Nurse-Driven Protocol for Catheter Removal to Decrease Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Rate in a Surgical Trauma ICU

INTRODUCTION

Early removal of urinary catheters is an effective strategy for catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention. We hypothesized that a nurse-directed catheter removal protocol would result in decreased catheter utilization and CAUTI rates in a surgical trauma intensive care unit (STICU).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, cohort study following implementation of a multimodal CAUTI prevention bundle in the STICU of a large tertiary care center. Data from a 19-month historical control were compared to data from a 15-month intervention period. Pre- and postintervention indwelling catheter utilization and CAUTI rates were compared.

RESULTS

Catheter utilization decreased significantly with implementation of the nurse-driven protocol from 0.78 in the preintervention period to 0.70 in the postintervention period (P < .05). As a result of the bundle, the CAUTI rate declined significantly, from 5.1 to 2.0 infections per 1000 catheter-days in the pre- vs postimplementation period (Incident Rate Ratio [IRR]: 0.38, 95% confidence interval: 0.21-0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a nurse-driven protocol for early urinary catheter removal as part of a multimodal CAUTI intervention strategy can result in measurable decreases in both catheter utilization and CAUTI rates.

Cateter urinário: o tempo de exposição e calibre podem influenciar na formação de biofilme?

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do tempo de exposição e calibre na formação de biofilme em cateteres urinários de Foley (CUFs). Método: Pesquisa in vitro com amostras de fragmentos de CUFs em látex siliconizado de diferentes calibres (n° 14 e n° 16 Frenchs). A urina artificial foi confeccionada, inoculada com bactérias-padrão Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) e incubada a 37 °C por 24 horas e 72 horas. As análises foram realizadas por meio de cultura (carga bacteriana) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Resultados: Não houve diferença na carga bacteriana dos biofilmes formados nas superfícies dos CUFs com relação aos diferentes calibres (p > 0,05). Por outro lado, o tempo de exposição (24 horas e 72 horas) foi o fator determinante para formação do biofilme de P. aeruginosa nos CUFs (p < 0,05). Conclusão: O tempo de exposição influenciou a formação do biofilme de P. aeruginosa nos CUFs, independentemente dos calibres.

Preliminary study on serum paraoxonase-1 status and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 in hospitalized elderly patients with catheter-associated asymptomatic bacteriuria

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common among elderly patients in residential care facilities, as well as in the hospital setting. Identifying new biochemical markers of UTI is an active line of research since UTI management is resource intensive. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) forms part of the patient's immune system, the response-to-injury and inflammation. Our study sought to evaluate alterations in inflammation-related paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) in patients with an indwelling catheter to assess their potential usefulness as biomarkers of infection. Patients (n = 142) who had had the urinary catheter removed and 100 healthy volunteers were recruited. In all participants we measured serum PON1 activity, PON1 concentration, CCL2, procalcitonin and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results indicated that patients had higher CCL2, CRP and procalcitonin concentrations than the control group, and lower paraoxonase activity. There were no significant differences in PON1 concentrations. When comparing the diagnostic accuracy of CRP, procalcitonin, CCL2 and the PON1-related variables in discriminating between patients with and those without UTI, we found a considerable degree of overlap between groups, i.e., a low diagnostic accuracy. However, there were significant inverse logarithmic correlations between serum paraoxonase activity and the number of days the urinary catheter had been in situ. Our results suggest that measurement of these biochemical variables may be useful in investigating complications of long-term use of these devices and help to improve the economic and clinical investment required in the management of the often-associated infection.

External Collection Devices as an Alternative to the Indwelling Urinary Catheter: Evidence-Based Review and Expert Clinical Panel Deliberations

Multiple evidence-based guidelines have suggested clinicians consider external collection devices (ECD) as alternatives to indwelling catheters. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of evidence-based resources concerning their use. An expert consensus panel was convened to review the current state of the evidence, indications for ECDs as an alternative to an indwelling urinary catheter, identify knowledge gaps, and areas for future research. This article presents the results of the expert consensus panel meeting and a systematic literature review regarding ECD use in the clinical setting.