UTI in patients with urethral catheters: an audit tool

This article presents an audit tool for the evaluation of practice relating to urinary tract infection in hospital patients with indwelling urethral catheters. It has been formulated primarily because urinary tract infection is a known complication of catheterization, and because studies have shown practitioners' knowledge in this area to be poor. Although health professionals have an obligation to ensure their practice is evidence based, this requires substantial time and skills in critical appraisal. The standard presented here is based on evidence from an extensive literature review on how best to minimize urinary tract infection during catheter insertion, meatal hygiene and management of the drainage system. The audit tool offers the potential for improved practice and demonstration of clinical effectiveness through measurable reduction in rates of urinary tract infection. Moreover, it provides an ideal opportunity for nurses to take the lead in clinical audit activity, which is so often medically led. The supplementary information will also provide a useful guide for nurses to undertake and initiate clinical audit activity in the future.