Instruments and Warning Signs for Identifying and Evaluating the Frequency of Adverse Events in Intermediate and Long-Term Care Centres: A Narrative Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

There is a lack of data about adverse events (AE) in intermediate and long-term care centers (ILCC). We aimed to synthesize the available scientific evidence on instruments used to identify and characterize AEs. We also aimed to describe the most common adverse events in ILCCs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A narrative systematic review of the literature was conducted according to Prisma recommendations. The PubMed database was searched for articles published between 2000 and 2021. Two reviewers independently screened and reviewed the studies through blind and independent review. We evaluated bias risk with Cochrane's risk of bias tool. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Discrepancies that were not resolved by discussion were discussed with a third reviewer. Descriptive data was extracted and qualitative content analysis was performed.

RESULTS

We found 2191 articles. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 272 papers were screened by title and abstract, and 66 studies were selected for full review. The instruments used to identify AEs were mostly tools to identify specific AEs or risks of AEs (94%), the remaining 6% were multidimensional. The most frequent categories detected medication-related AEs (n=26, 40%); falls (n=7, 11%); psychiatric AEs (6.9%); malnutrition (4.6%), and infections (4.6%). The studies that used multidimensional tools refer to frailty, dependency, or lack of energy as predictors of AEs. However, they do not take into account the importance of detecting AEs. We found 2-11 adverse drug events (ADE) per resident/month. We found a prevalence of falls (12.5%), delirium (9.6-89%), pain (68%), malnutrition (2-83%), and pressure ulcers (3-30%). Urinary tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and gastroenteritis were the most common infections in this setting. Transitions between different care settings (from hospitals to ILCC and vice versa) expose AE risk.

CONCLUSION

There are many instruments to detect AEs in ILCC, and most have a specific approach. Adverse events affect a significant proportion of patients in ILCC, the nurse-sensitive outcomes, nosocomial infections, and adverse drug events are among the most common. The systematic review was registered with Prospero, ID: CRD42022348168.

Need for routine preoperative insertion of indwelling urinary catheter prior to endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate outcomes following urinary catheter (UC) vs. no urinary catheter (NUC) insertion in elective endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

METHODS

Retrospective record review of all elective EVAR at a university affiliated medical center over a 5-year period. Statistical analysis included Chi Sq, Independent Student T Test.

RESULTS

Six surgeons performed 272 elective EVAR. Three surgeons preferred selective insertion of indwelling UC, such that 86 (32%) EVAR were completed without indwelling urinary catheters (NUC). Differences between NUC vs. UC included; male: (86% vs. 70%; P= 0.004), CAD: (45% vs.33%; p= .046), conscious sedation: (36% vs. 8%; P < 0.001), bilateral percutaneous EVAR (PEVAR): (100% vs. 90%; P= 0.01), within Proglide^TM IFU guidelines (87% vs 75%; P= .05), major adverse operative event (MAOE): (3.5% vs. 10%; P= 0.05) and mean operative time (185 ± 73 vs. 140 ± 37; P < 0.001). Intra-operative catheterization was never required among NUC. Postoperative adverse urinary events (AUE) were more common among UC (11.4% vs. 8.1%; P= 0.41); with longer times to straight catheterization/reinsertion (1575 ± 987 vs 522 ± 269 minutes; P= 0.015) and lower likelihood of eligibility for same day discharge (SDD); (41% vs.59%; P= 0.008). Ineligibility for SDD was due to AUE in 18% of UC patients.

CONCLUSION

Selective preoperative UC insertion should be considered for EVAR, with particular consideration to no preoperative catheterization in men meeting Proglide IFU. Adverse urinary events occurred less frequently among NUC and were identified/ treated earlier. Moreover, AUEs were the most common reason for potential SDD ineligibility among UC patients. Selective policies may facilitate SDD.

Urosepsis in Older Adults: Epidemiologic Trends in Florida

The incidence and geographic distribution of urosepsis, a life-threatening condition in older adults, is not well understood. The Florida State Inpatient Databases (2012-2014) showed an increase in the incidence of community-acquired urosepsis (5.37 to 6.16 per 1000), particularly among Hispanic older adults residing in low socioeconomic, urban areas with large numbers of nursing homes. These findings suggest a state policy is needed to address community-based preventative care and education for early detection of urosepsis in low-income urban areas. It is important for local health departments to partner with nursing homes to address disparities in care that disproportionally impact Hispanics.

Using appropriateness criteria to identify opportunities to improve perioperative urinary catheter use

BACKGROUND

The Michigan Appropriate Perioperative (MAP) criteria provide guidance regarding urinary catheter use. For Category A (e.g., laparoscopic cholecystectomy), B (e.g., hemicolectomy), and C (e.g., abdominoperineal resection) procedures, recommendations are to avoid catheter, remove POD 0 or 1, and remove POD 1-4, respectively. We applied MAP criteria to statewide registry data to identify improvement targets.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of risk-adjusted catheter use and duration for appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and colorectal resections in 2014-2015 from 64 Michigan hospitals.

RESULTS

5.5% of 13,032 Category A cases used urinary catheters, including 26.9% of open appendectomies. 94.5% of 1,624 Category B cases used catheters (31.2% remained after POD 1). 98.3% of 700 Category C cases used catheters (4.6% remained POD5+). Variation in duration of use persisted after risk adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative urinary catheter use was appropriate for most simple abdominal procedures, but duration of use varied in all categories.

Michigan Appropriate Perioperative (MAP) criteria for urinary catheter use in common general and orthopaedic surgeries: results obtained using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method

BACKGROUND

Indwelling urinary catheters are commonly used for patients undergoing general and orthopaedic surgery. Despite infectious and non-infectious harms of urinary catheters, there is limited guidance available to surgery teams regarding appropriate perioperative catheter use.

OBJECTIVE

Using the RAND Corporation/University of California Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) Appropriateness Method, we assessed the appropriateness of indwelling urinary catheter placement and different timings of catheter removal for routine general and orthopaedic surgery procedures.

METHODS

Two multidisciplinary panels consisting of 13 and 11 members (physicians and nurses) for general and orthopaedic surgery, respectively, reviewed the available literature regarding the impact of different perioperative catheter use strategies. Using a standardised, multiround rating process, the panels independently rated clinical scenarios (91 general surgery, 36 orthopaedic surgery) for urinary catheter placement and postoperative duration of use as appropriate (ie, benefits outweigh risks), inappropriate or of uncertain appropriateness.

RESULTS

Appropriateness of catheter use varied by procedure, accounting for procedure-specific risks as well as expected procedure time and intravenous fluids. Procedural appropriateness ratings for catheters were summarised for clinical use into three groups: (1) can perform surgery without catheter; (2) use intraoperatively only, ideally remove before leaving the operating room; and (3) use intraoperatively and keep catheter until postoperative days 1-4. Specific recommendations were provided by procedure, with postoperative day 1 being appropriate for catheter removal for first voiding trial for many procedures.

CONCLUSION

We defined the appropriateness of indwelling urinary catheter use during and after common general and orthopaedic surgical procedures. These ratings may help reduce catheter-associated complications for patients undergoing these procedures.

Urinary Catheter-Associated Infections

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection remains one of the most prevalent, yet preventable, health care-associated infections. General prevention strategies include strict adherence to hand hygiene and antimicrobial stewardship. Duration of urinary catheterization is the most important modifiable risk factor. Targeted prevention strategies include limiting urinary catheter use; physician reminder systems, nurse-initiated discontinuation protocols, and automatic stop orders have successfully decreased catheter duration. Alternatives should be considered. If catheterization is necessary, proper aseptic practices for insertion and maintenance and closed catheter collection systems are essential for prevention. The use of bladder bundles and collaboratives aids in the effective implementation of prevention measures.

Urinary Tract Infections

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) remains one of the most prevalent, yet preventable, health care-associated infections and predominantly occurs in patients with indwelling urinary catheters. Targeted strategies for prevention of CAUTI include limiting urinary catheter use; physician reminder systems, nurse-initiated discontinuation protocols, and automatic stop orders have successfully decreased catheter duration. Alternatives to indwelling catheters should be considered in appropriate patients. If indwelling catheterization is necessary, proper aseptic practices for catheter insertion and maintenance and closed catheter collection system is essential for preventing CAUTI. The use of "bladder bundles" and collaboratives aids in the effective implementation of CAUTI prevention measures.

Urinary Retention following Colorectal Surgery

Literature on postoperative urinary retention (POUR) after colorectal resections is limited. The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for POUR after elective colorectal resections in men ≥55 years without genitourinary issues. A retrospective review of elective colorectal resections (June 1, 2014 to June 1, 2015) in men ≥55 years without genitourinary conditions was performed at our institution. Patient demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, body mass index (BMI), surgical history, type of disease, extent of resection, surgical approach, operating room (OR) time, volume of OR fluids administered, and intra- and postoperative urine output were included for analysis. Seventy patients were identified. Nine (12.9%) experienced POUR. Patients with POUR experienced longer OR time (324 vs 239 minutes; P = 0.048) and had a lower median BMI (23.8 vs 28 kg/m2; P = 0.038). There were no significant differences in regards to age, comorbidities, diagnosis, type of resection, surgical approach, intravenous fluids administered operatively, or postoperative urine output. The incidence of POUR in male patients at least 55 years of age after elective colorectal resection in our institution was 12.9 per cent. Longer operative time and lower BMI were associated with a higher incidence of POUR.

The effect of a short educational intervention on the use of urinary catheters: a prospective cohort study

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of implementation of evidence-based recommendations to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).

Design

Prospective cohort study, conducted in 2010-12, with a before and after design.

Setting

A major referral university hospital.

Participants

Data were collected before (n = 244) and 1 year after (n = 255) the intervention for patients who received urinary catheters.

Intervention

The intervention comprised two elements: (i) aligning doctors' and nurses' knowledge of indications for the use of catheters and (ii) an educational effort consisting of three 30- to 45-minute sessions on evidence-based practice regarding catheter usage for nursing personnel on 17 medical and surgical wards.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were the proportion of (i) admitted patients receiving urinary catheters during hospitalization, (ii) catheters inserted without indication, (iii) inpatient days with catheter and (iv) the incidence of CAUTIs per 1000 catheter days. Secondary outcome measures were the proportion of (i) catheter days without appropriate indication and (ii) patients discharged with a catheter.

Results

There was a reduction in the proportion of inpatient days with a catheter, from 44% to 41% (P = 0.006). There was also a reduction in the proportion of catheter days without appropriate indication (P < 0.001) and patients discharged with a catheter (P = 0.029). The majority of catheters were inserted outside the study wards.

Conclusions

A short educational intervention was feasible and resulted in significant practice improvements in catheter usage but no reduction of CAUTIs. Other measures than CAUTI may be more sensitive to detecting important practice changes.

Resident and Facility Factors Associated With the Incidence of Urinary Tract Infections Identified in the Nursing Home Minimum Data Set

Objective: This research examined resident and facility-specific factors associated with a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the nursing home setting. Method: Minimum Data Set and Online Survey, Certification and Reporting system data were used to identify all nursing home residents in the United States on April 1, 2006, who did not have a UTI ( n = 1,138,418). Residents were followed until they contracted a UTI (9.5%), died (8.3%), left the nursing home (33.2%), or the year ended (49.0%). A Cox proportional hazards model was estimated, controlling for resident and facility characteristics and for the state of residence. Result: The presence of an indwelling catheter was the primary predictor of whether a resident contracted a UTI (adjusted incidence ratio = 3.35, p < .001), but only 6.1% of the residents in the sample had such a catheter. Therefore, only one eighth of the UTIs were contracted by residents with a catheter. Thus, subsequent analysis examined the populations with and without catheters separately. Demographic characteristics (such as age) have a much greater association with incidence among residents without catheters. The association with facility factors such as percentage of Medicaid residents, for-profit, and chain status was less significant. Estimates regarding staffing levels indicate that increased contact hours with more highly educated nursing staff are associated with less catheter use. Discussion: Several facility-specific risk factors are of significance. Of significance, UTIs may be reduced by modifying factors such as staffing levels.

Decreased glomerular filtration rate estimated by 2009 CKD-EPI equation predicts mortality in older hip fracture population

OBJECTIVE

We examined estimated glomerular filtration rate using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology equation (eGFRCDK-EPI), removal of urinary catheter during hospitalization and polypharmacy as predictors of mortality in older hip fracture patients.

METHODS

Population-based prospective data were collected on 1425 consecutive hip fracture patients aged ≥65 years. Outcome was mortality at one year. Independent variables were age, sex, body mass index, fracture type, American Society of Anesthesiology score, delay to surgery, urinary catheter removal during acute hospitalization, eGFRCDK-EPI, number of daily medications, diagnosis of memory disorder, prefracture mobility and living arrangements.

RESULTS

Of the 1425 patients, 567 (40%) had renal dysfunction on admission, 526 (37%) had their urinary catheters removed during hospitalization and 1177 (83%) were taking ≥4 medications regularly before the fracture. In the multivariate analyses with the Cox proportional hazards model adjusted simultaneously for all the independent variables, eGFRCDK-EPI 30-44ml/min/1.73m(2) (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.44-2.52) and <30ml/min/1.73m(2) (HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.36-2.78), non-removal of the urinary catheter (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.12-1.88) and large number of daily medications (4-10 HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.78-2.79, >10 HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.38-3.54) were associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In older hip fracture patients, moderate to severe level renal dysfunction measured by eGFRCDK-EPI, non-removal of urinary catheter before discharge and polypharmacy increase mortality after hip fracture. Careful assessment of renal function and medications and following the care protocols on urinary catheter removal are essential in the care of geriatric hip fracture patients.

Regional variation in urinary catheter use and catheter-associated urinary tract infection: results from a national collaborative

OBJECTIVE

To examine regional variation in the use and appropriateness of indwelling urinary catheters and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI).

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

US acute care hospitals.

METHODS

Hospitals were divided into 4 regions according to the US Census Bureau. Baseline data on urinary catheter use, catheter appropriateness, and CAUTI were collected from participating units. The catheter utilization ratio was calculated by dividing the number of catheter-days by the number of patient-days. We used the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definition (number of CAUTIs per 1,000 catheter-days) and a population-based definition (number of CAUTIs per 10,000 patient-days) to calculate CAUTI rates. Logistic and Poisson regression models were used to assess regional differences.

RESULTS

Data on 434,207 catheter-days over 1,400,770 patient-days were collected from 1,101 units within 726 hospitals across 34 states. Overall catheter utilization was 31%. Catheter utilization was significantly higher in non-intensive care units (ICUs) in the West compared with non-ICUs in all other regions. Approximately 30%-40% of catheters in non-ICUs were placed without an appropriate indication. Catheter appropriateness was the lowest in the West. A total of 1,099 CAUTIs were observed (NHSN rate of 2.5 per 1,000 catheter-days and a population-based rate of 7.8 per 10,000 patient-days). The population-based CAUTI rate was highest in the West (8.9 CAUTIs per 10,000 patient-days) and was significantly higher compared with the Midwest, even after adjusting for hospital characteristics (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Regional differences in catheter use, appropriateness, and CAUTI rates were detected across US hospitals.

Implementing a National Program to Reduce Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection: A Quality Improvement Collaboration of State Hospital Associations, Academic Medical Centers, Professional Societies, and Governmental Agencies

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) represents a significant proportion of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The US Department of Health and Human Services issued a plan to reduce HAIs with a target 25% reduction of CAUTI by 2013. Michigan's successful collaborative to reduce unnecessary use of urinary catheters and CAUTI was based on a partnership between diverse hospitals, the state hospital association (SHA), and academic medical centers. Taking the lessons learned from Michigan, we are now spreading this work throughout the 50 states. This national spread leverages the expertise of different groups and organizations for the unified goal of reducing catheter-related harm. The key components of the project are (1) centralized coordination of the effort and dissemination of information to SHAs and hospitals, (2) data collection based on established definitions and approaches, (3) focused guidance on the technical practices that will prevent CAUTI, (4) emphasis on understanding the socioadaptive aspects (both the general, unit-wide issues and CAUTI-specific challenges), and (5) partnering with specialty organizations and governmental agencies who have expertise in the relevant subject area. The work may serve in the future as a model for other large improvement efforts to address other hospital-acquired conditions, such as venous thromboembolism and falls.

Point prevalence survey of urinary catheterisation in care homes and where they were inserted, 2012

The extent to which the use of catheter care bundles and other interventions has led to a reduction in urinary catheterisation rates is unknown. We aimed to determine current urinary catheterisation rates in care homes with residents over 65 years old, and determine the extent to which residents are discharged from the hospital setting with urinary catheters. A point prevalence questionnaire survey was used in care homes that looked after residents over 65 years in six UK health boards or primary care trusts, to determine urinary catheterisation rates, and where these catheters were inserted. Questionnaires for 445 of 461 care homes (96.5%) were completed, 425 of 445 care homes cared for residents over 65 years; 888 (6.9%) of 12,827 residents had a urethral (82.5%) or supra-pubic (17.5%) urinary catheter. Over half of all catheters (both urethral and suprapubic, 57.4%, 509 of 888 catheters), and 3.1% of all residents had a catheter inserted while the residents were hospital inpatients, and then discharged back to the care home still catheterised. There was a significant variation in urinary catheterisation rates in the care homes surveyed, and rates remain similar to previous English surveys in 2003 and 2009. More still needs to be done to understand the variation in urinary catheterisation rates in care homes and reduce these rates, including the numbers of residents that are discharged from hospital with a urinary catheter.

Preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections in the intensive care unit

Urinary tract infection remains one of the most common healthcare-associated infections in the intensive care unit and predominantly occurs in patients with indwelling urinary catheters. Duration of catheterization is the most important risk factor for developing catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). General strategies for preventing CAUTI include measures such as adherence to hand hygiene. Targeted strategies for preventing CAUTI include limiting the use and duration of urinary catheters, using aseptic technique for catheter insertion, and adhering to proper catheter care. Anti-infective catheters may be considered in some settings. Successful implementation of these measures has decreased urinary catheter use and CAUTI.

Outcomes in UK patients with hospital-acquired bacteraemia and the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections

PURPOSE

There is lack of contemporary outcome data on patients with hospital-acquired infections that cause bacteraemia. We determined the risk factors for 7-day mortality and investigated the hypothesis that, compared with central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bacteraemic infections, catheter-associated bacteraemic urinary tract infections (UTIs) were significantly associated with 7-day mortality.

METHODS

From October 2007 to September 2008, demographical, clinical and microbiological data were collected on patients with hospital-acquired bacteraemia. Patients were followed until death, hospital discharge or recovery from infection. Risk factors for 7-day mortality were determined and multivariate logistic regression was used to define the association between catheter-associated bacteraemic UTIs and likelihood of death.

RESULTS

559 bacteraemic episodes occurred in 437 patients. Overall, there were 90 deaths (20.6%) at 7 days and 153 deaths (35.0%) at 30 days. Among patients with catheter-associated bacteraemic UTIs, 7-day and 30-day mortalities associated with each bacteraemic episode were 25/83 (30.1%) and 33/83 (39.8%), respectively. Within this subgroup, the commonest isolates were Escherichia coli, 36 (43.4%), Proteus mirabilis, 11 (13.3%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 9 (10.8%). There were 22 (26.5%) multiple drug-resistant isolates and, of the E coli infections, 6 (16.7%) were extended spectrum β-lactamase producers. In univariate analysis, the variables found to have the strongest association with 7-day mortality were age, Pitt score, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), medical speciality and site of infection. Compared with CVC-associated bacteraemic infections, there was a significant association between catheter-associated bacteraemic UTIs and 7-day mortality (OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.86 to 9.33). After adjustment for age and CCI, this association remained significant (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.19 to 7.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with CVC-associated bacteraemic infections, catheter-associated bacteraemic UTIs were significantly associated with 7-day mortality. Efforts to reduce these infections should be prioritised.

Urinary tract infections

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) account for approximately 40% of all health care-associated infections. Despite studies showing benefit of interventions for prevention of CAUTI, adoption of these practices has not occurred in many healthcare facilities in the United States. As urinary catheters account for the majority of healthcare-associated UTIs, the most important interventions are directed at avoiding placement of urinary catheters and promoting early removal when appropriate. Alternatives to indwelling catheters such as intermittent catheterization and condom catheters should be considered. If indwelling catheterization is appropriate, proper aseptic practices for catheter insertion and maintenance and use of a closed catheter collection system are essential for preventing CAUTI. The use of antimicrobial catheters also may be considered when the rates of CAUTI remain persistently high despite adherence to other evidence-based practices, or in patients deemed to be at high risk for CAUTI or its complications. Attention toward prevention of CAUTI will likely increase as Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and other third-party payers no longer reimburse for hospital-acquired UTI.

Urinary catheters in the emergency department: very elderly women are at high risk for unnecessary utilization

BACKGROUND

Many of the urinary catheters (UCs) placed in the emergency department (ED) might not be necessary. We evaluated compliance with our institutional UC utilization guidelines and assessed factors influencing utilization.

METHODS

We conducted a 12-week retrospective observational study evaluating UC utilization in all admissions from the ED. Data included reason for placement, presence of a physician's order for placement, resident physician involvement, and patient age and sex.

RESULTS

Out of 4521 patients evaluated, 532 (11.8%) had a UC placed. Of these UCs, 371 (69.7%) were indicated, and 312 (58.6%) had a physician's order documented. The mean age of the patients who had a UC placed without an indication was 71.3 ± 18.8 years, that of patients with an indication was 60.0 ± 22.4 years (P < .0001), and that of patients who did not have a UC placed was 56.2 ± 22.6 years (P < .0001). Half of the women aged ≥80 years who had a UC placed did not have an indication according to our institutional guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression showed that women were 1.9 times more likely than men, and those age ≥80 years were 2.9 times more likely than those age ≤50 years, to have a UC placed without an indication.

CONCLUSION

Very elderly women are at high risk for inappropriate UC utilization in the ED. Interventions are needed to address this vulnerable population.

Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infection in adults: 2009 International Clinical Practice Guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America

Guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention, and management of persons with catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI), both symptomatic and asymptomatic, were prepared by an Expert Panel of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. The evidence-based guidelines encompass diagnostic criteria, strategies to reduce the risk of CA-UTIs, strategies that have not been found to reduce the incidence of urinary infections, and management strategies for patients with catheter-associated asymptomatic bacteriuria or symptomatic urinary tract infection. These guidelines are intended for use by physicians in all medical specialties who perform direct patient care, with an emphasis on the care of patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Management of catheter-associated urinary tract infection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this article is to review recent publications concerning the management of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), including the issues of diagnosis and prevention. Articles reviewed include the various guidelines concerning CAUTI released recently by multiple organizations.

RECENT FINDINGS

There has been a recent upsurge of interest in prevention of CAUTI and a proliferation of guidelines in this area. Social changes in US government reimbursement to hospitals and public reporting of hospital-acquired infections may underlie this interest. The awareness that CAUTI and catheter-associated asymptomatic bacteriuria are distinct conditions is increasing, but unnecessary treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria remains quite prevalent. The focus in recent CAUTI literature is on prevention, often through strategies to minimize urinary catheter use. Very little new evidence is available to guide diagnosis and treatment strategies.

SUMMARY

Interpretation of many studies of CAUTI is impeded by the failure to distinguish between symptomatic CAUTI and asymptomatic bacteriuria in the study outcomes. This distinction currently relies on clinical symptoms and is not easily made, even with the help of various guidelines. Many aspects of the management of CAUTI merit further study, and the current interest in CAUTI is likely to lead to exciting advances in this field.

Mobility and other predictors of hospitalization for urinary tract infection: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Many hospitalizations for residents of skilled nursing facilities are potentially avoidable. Factors that could prevent hospitalization for urinary tract infection (UTI) were investigated, with focus on patient mobility.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using 2003-2004 data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The study included 408,192 residents of 4267 skilled nursing facilities in California, Florida, Michigan, New York, and Texas. The patients were followed over time, from admission to the skilled nursing facility to discharge or, for those who were not discharged, for 1 year. Cox proportional hazards regression was conducted with hospitalization for UTI as the outcome.

RESULTS

The ability to walk was associated with a 69% lower rate of hospitalization for UTI. Maintaining or improving walking ability over time reduced the risk of hospitalization for UTI by 39% to 76% for patients with various conditions. For residents with severe mobility problems, such as being in a wheelchair or having a missing limb, maintaining or improving mobility (in bed or when transferring) reduced the risk of hospitalization for UTI by 38% to 80%. Other potentially modifiable predictors included a physician visit at the time of admission to the skilled nursing facility (Hazard Ratio (HR), 0.68), use of an indwelling urinary catheter (HR, 2.78), infection with Clostridium difficile or an antibiotic-resistant microorganism (HR, 1.20), and use of 10 or more medications (HR, 1.31). Patient characteristics associated with hospitalization for UTI were advancing age, being Hispanic or African-American, and having diabetes mellitus, renal failure, Parkinson's disease, dementia, or stroke.

CONCLUSION

Maintaining or improving mobility (walking, transferring between positions, or moving in bed) was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for UTI. A physician visit at the time of admission to the skilled nursing facility also reduced the risk of hospitalization for UTI.