Development of an evidence-based protocol for reduction of indwelling urinary catheter usage

Studies indicate 40% of indwelling urinary catheters are unnecessary in hospitalized patients (Gardam, Amihod, Orenstein, Consolacion, & Miller, 1998; Gokula, Hickner, & Smith, 2004). The results of a protocol developed to limit catheter use are described.
For many years, long-term care has been attuned to the problems associated with indwelling urinary catheters (Gammack, 2003; Newman, 2006). Use of catheters has been limited to residents with very [...]