[Evidence-based protocol on the urinary catheter cares in intensive care units]

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) account for 24.92% of ICU nosocomial infections investigated. They are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, increased hospital stay and hospital costs, jeopardizing patient safety. Prevalence of UTI in ICU is directly related to the widespread use of urethral catheter (UC). It has been estimated that between 17% and 69% of UTIs associated with the UC can be prevented through an evidence-based prevention program. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend, based on strong evidence for its implementation, the use of packages based on evidence and ongoing training of health personnel in the extrinsic risk factors of UTI associated with UC-related nursing care (technique of insertion, maintenance and drainage system). The development of an evidence-based UC protocol of care for, dealt with in the latest clinical guidelines, and the systematic reviews extracted from the Cochrane, where the clinical cares that are most clearly shown to have a direct relation to decrease of UTI asssociated with UC are described, will make it possible for us to reach a consensus on the guidelines of our care to avoid their variability. This will also make it possible to evaluate and compare the quality of our cares with other ICUs, using quality indicators established by the National Surveillance Study of Nosocomial Infection in Medical Services Intensive.