Urinary tract infection in people with long-term urinary catheters

Literature related to urinary tract infection (UTI) in people with long-term use of urinary catheters was reviewed and analyzed to identify strengths and gaps in knowledge. Topics addressed included definitions of UTI, epidemiology/risk factors, infection rates, pathophysiology, bodily defense mechanisms, and interventions. Surveillance of UTI for community-dwelling people with catheters is hampered by a lack of agreement on definitions of UTI and thus the basis for calculating UTI rates. Moreover, no agreement exists on what constitutes long-term use. Additional knowledge about specific risk factors in this home care population could lead to interventions to prevent or minimize UTIs. Suggestions are made for standardizing definitions of UTI and for clarifying reports of UTI rates. Continence nurses are in a position to advance this area of research and practice.