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[Assessing the impact of bladder ultrasound on catheter-associated urinary tract infections and health-care costs: an observational pre-post study].

Authors :
Di Matteo R
Caccamo I
Arcidiacono S
Bertin G
Chiamosa E
Valenti F
Mugone S
De Piaggia A
Daniele A
Clara M
Gatti D
Bolgeo T
Maconi A
Source :
Assistenza infermieristica e ricerca : AIR [Assist Inferm Ric] 2023 Jul-Sep; Vol. 42 (3), pp. 131-136.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

. Assessing the impact of bladder ultrasound on catheter-associated urinary tract infections and health-care costs: an observational pre-post study.<br />Introduction: The placement of a urinary catheter is a standard procedure, but it can cause discomfort, increase the risk of infections and costs. Pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive assessment of the bladder and bladder catheter placement that can be performed by nurses.<br />Aim: To assess the appropriateness of urinary catheter placement using bladder ultrasound, to monitor urinary catheter-associated urinary tract infections and costs associated with catheter use.<br />Methods: A single-centre pre-post observational study was conducted from September 2021 to August 2022 in patients aged >18 years requiring urinary monitoring; the first 6 months patients were assessed without the use of bladder ultrasound (control group), while the last 6 months with bladder ultrasound.<br />Results: 189 patients were included in the pre-ultrasound group and 175 patients in the post-ultrasound group; the demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups were comparable. The rate of inappropriate catheterisation was 22.6% in the pre-group, whereas no inappropriate catheterisation was performed in the post-group. There was a 2.2% of absolute reduction in the rate of urinary tract infections (from 8.5% to 6.3%). Costs associated with the use of urinary catheters were reduced by 74.2% (from 173 to 44.8 euros).<br />Conclusions: Bladder ultrasound in clinical practice is feasible and reduced the inappropriate use of bladder catheters, reducing patient risks and healthcare costs.

Details

Language :
Italian
ISSN :
2038-1778
Volume :
42
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Assistenza infermieristica e ricerca : AIR
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
37721338
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1702/4095.40917