Enhancing quality practice for prevention and diagnosis of urinary tract infection during inpatient spinal cord rehabilitation

Development and Assessment of SCI Model Systems Complicated UTI Consensus Guidelines: A Psychometrically Designed Mixed-Methods Protocol

Background

Complicated UTI (cUTI) is highly prevalent among people with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D), but neither consistent nor evidence-based guidelines exist.

Objectives

We propose a two-phase, mixed-methods study to develop consensus around diagnostic and decision-making criteria for cUTI among people with SCI/D and the clinicians who treat them.

Methods

In phase 1 (qualitative), we will engage Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) clinicians in focus groups to refine existing cUTI-related decision making using three reliable and validated Urinary Symptom Questionnaires for Neurogenic Bladder (USQNBs; intermittent catheterization, indwelling catheterization, and voiding) as points of departure, and then we will conduct a Delphi survey to explore and achieve consensus on cUTI diagnostic criteria among a nationally representative sample of clinicians from physical medicine and rehabilitation, infectious disease, urology, primary care, and emergency medicine. We will develop training materials based on these new guidelines and will deploy the training to both clinicians and consumers nationally. In phase 2 (quantitative), we will assess clinicians' uptake and use of the guidelines, and the impact of the guidelines training on consumers' self-management habits, engagement with the health care system, and antibiotic use over the 12 months after training.

Results

The output of this study will be diagnostic guidelines for cUTI among people with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) due to SCI/D, with data on uptake (clinicians) and impact (patients).

Conclusion

This mixed-methods protocol integrates formal psychometric methods with large-scale evidence gathering to derive consensus around diagnostic guidelines for cUTI among people with NLUTD due to SCI/D and provides information on uptake (clinicians) and impact (patients).

Indicators of Quality of Care in Individuals With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Scoping Review

STUDY DESIGN

Scoping review.

OBJECTIVES

To identify a practical and reproducible approach to organize Quality of Care Indicators (QoCI) in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was conducted in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (Date: May 2018), MEDLINE (1946 to May 2018), and EMBASE (1974 to May 2018). Two independent reviewers screened 6092 records and included 262 full texts, among which 60 studies were included for qualitative analysis. We included studies, with no language restriction, containing at least 1 quality of care indicator for individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury. Each potential indicator was evaluated in an online, focused group discussion to define its categorization (healthcare system structure, medical process, and individuals with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury related outcomes), definition, survey options, and scale.

RESULTS

A total of 87 indicators were identified from 60 studies screened using our eligibility criteria. We defined each indicator. Out of 87 indicators, 37 appraised the healthcare system structure, 30 evaluated medical processes, and 20 included individuals with TSCI related outcomes. The healthcare system structure included the impact of the cost of hospitalization and rehabilitation, as well as staff and patient perception of treatment. The medical processes included targeting physical activities for improvement of health-related outcomes and complications. Changes in motor score, functional independence, and readmission rates were reported as individuals with TSCI-related outcomes indicators.

CONCLUSION

Indicators of quality of care in the management of individuals with TSCI are important for health policy strategists to standardize healthcare assessment, for clinicians to improve care, and for data collection efforts including registries.

Urinary catheter management: what neurologists need to know

Patients with neurological disorders often have lower urinary tract dysfunction, manifesting as urinary retention or urinary incontinence, and so commonly use catheters. Neurologists should therefore be aware of the different types of catheters and appliances and their risks, benefits and complications. Clean intermittent self-catheterisation is preferable to an indwelling catheter; however, if this is not possible, then a suprapubic indwelling catheter is preferable to a urethral catheter for long-term management. We review the decision-making process when selecting catheters for neurological patients, the evidence base regarding the different options and how neurologists can recognise and address complications. We also discuss alternatives to catheterisation, such as non-invasive containment products and surgical treatments, and the indications for urological referral.

Incidence and risk factors of urinary tract infections in hospitalised patients with spinal cord injury

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the incidence of urinary tract infection and analyse its risk factors among hospitalised patients with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND

While the incidence of urinary tract infection varies widely according to the healthcare setting and patients' clinical characteristics, formal reports are limited in quantity. There has been no consensus regarding the risk factors for urinary tract infection.

DESIGN

A retrospective descriptive study.

METHODS

Electronic medical records of 964 subjects between 2010-2017 were reviewed. Urinary tract infection status was examined to identify newly occurred cases. Data included demographic and clinical characteristics, hydration status and length of hospitalisation. The reporting of the study followed the EQUATOR Network's STROBE checklist.

RESULTS

Of the sample, 31.7% had urinary tract infection (95% confidence interval: 1.288 to 1.347, p < .001). Sex, completeness of injury, type of bladder emptying, detrusor function and urethral pressure were significant factors affecting urinary tract infection. Patients who were male and those with injury classifications A, B and C had higher risk of urinary tract infection. Patients with urinary or suprapubic indwelling catheters, as well as those with areflexic detrusor combined with normotonic urethral pressure or overactive detrusor combined with normotonic urethral pressure, showed higher risk. Length of hospitalisation in patients with urinary tract infection was greater than that in uninfected patients, which implies the importance of prevention of urinary tract infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses should carefully assess risk factors to prevent urinary tract infection in patients with spinal cord injury in the acute and sub-acute stages of the disease trajectory and provide individualised nursing care.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study contributes evidence for up-to-date clinical nursing practice for the comprehensive management of urinary tract infection. This can lead to improvements in nursing care quality and patient outcomes, including length of hospitalisation.

Clean intermittent catheterization in patients with spinal cord injury: knowledge of nurses

Introduction: Spinal cord injury results in failure to empty the bladder, leaving the individual exposed to the risk of recurrent urinary tract infection, vesicoureteral reflux and even loss of renal function. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is the method of choice for emptying the bladder in these cases. Although it has a simple technique, its performance should be well oriented in order to avoid complications such as infections or traumas. Guidance for the technique should be performed during the hospitalization period due to the injury and the nurse is responsible for this action. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of nurses working in a trauma care hospital in relation to clean intermittent catheterization. Methods: Questionnaire constructed based on the guidelines of the European Association of Urological Nurses, applied to 18 nurses from a university hospital, a reference in the treatment of spinal trauma, regarding neurological dysfunction of the lower urinary tract and clean intermittent catheterization. Results: The participants presented expressive knowledge about lower urinary tract neurological dysfunction and CIC. There were errors regarding the CIC technique in the indication of the use of procedure gloves, in the lubrication of the catheter, collection of periodic urine cultures, use of antibiotics and in the need for instructions before discharge from hospital. Conclusion: Although the sample demonstrated knowledge on several issues related to the subject, the errors indicate the need for training and especially awareness of the responsibility of guidance before discharge from hospital.

Cateterismo intermitente limpo no paciente com lesão medular: conhecimento dos enfermeiros

Introdução: A lesão medular resulta em falha no esvaziamento da bexiga, deixando o indivíduo exposto a risco de infecção recorrente de trato urinário, refluxo vesicoureteral e até perda da função renal. O cateterismo intermitente limpo (CIL) é o método de escolha para esvaziamento da bexiga nesses casos. Apesar de ter uma técnica simples, sua realização deve ser bem orientada a fim de evitar complicações como infecções ou traumas. A orientação para a técnica deve ser realizada ainda no período de internação pela lesão, cujo responsável é o enfermeiro. Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento dos enfermeiros que atuam em hospital de atendimento ao trauma com relação ao cateterismo intermitente limpo. Métodos: Questionário construído com base nas diretrizes da Associação Europeia de Enfermeiros Urológicos, aplicado a 18 enfermeiros de um hospital universitário, referência no atendimento do trauma raquimedular, a respeito de disfunção neurológica de trato urinário inferior e cateterismo intermitente limpo. Resultados: Os participantes apresentaram conhecimento expressivo a respeito da disfunção neurológica de trato urinário inferior e CIL. Houve erros quanto à técnica do CIL nos quesitos de indicação do uso luvas de procedimento, na lubrificação do cateter, coleta de culturas periódicas de urina, uso antibióticos e na necessidade de orientação antes da alta hospitalar. Conclusão: Apesar de a amostra demonstrar conhecimento em várias questões relacionadas ao tema, os erros indicam necessidade de capacitação e principalmente de conscientização quanto à responsabilidade de orientação antes da alta hospitalar.

Conception and development of Urinary Tract Infection indicators to advance the quality of spinal cord injury rehabilitation: SCI-High Project

Context: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most frequent secondary health condition following spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) that adversely impact overall health and quality of life, and often result in rehabilitation service interruptions, emergency department visits, and urinary sepsis. Methods: Experts in Urohealth and/or UTI recognition and management and the SCI-High Project Team used a combination of evidence synthesis and consensus methods for developing the UTI indicators. A systematic search and a Driver diagram analysis were applied to identify key factors influencing UTI. This Driver diagram guided the UTI Working Group when defining the construct, specifying the aim for the UTI SCI/D quality indicators, and developing the UTI diagnostic checklist and fever definition. Results: The structure indicator was the proportion of patients with a health care professional (i.e. family physician or urologist) able to follow-up with the patient regarding urine culture and sensitivity results within 48-72 h of collection. The Working Group knowingly adopted a single checklist for UTI diagnosis, recognizing the stark contrast in the complexity of diagnosis in acute versus community settings. The process indicator is the proportion of SCI/D rehabilitation inpatients with UTI as defined by the UTI diagnostic checklist. The outcome indicator is the proportion of SCI/D rehabilitation inpatients with inappropriate antibiotic prescription. Conclusion: UTI can be diagnosed using the developed symptoms and signs checklist. These structure, process, and outcome quality indicators will ultimately reduce inappropriate antibiotic therapy for UTI and the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance among community-dwelling individuals with chronic SCI/D.