Reducing the Use of Urethral Catheters in Hospitals
Author Information
Author(s): van den Broek Pieter J, Wille Jan C, van Benthem Birgit HB, Perenboom Rom JM, van den Akker-van Marle M Elske, Niël-Weise Barbara S
Primary Institution: Leiden University Medical Centre
Hypothesis
Can implementation of recommendations reduce the use of urethral catheters in hospitals?
Conclusion
Targeted implementation of recommendations can lead to better adherence and cost savings in hospitals.
Supporting Evidence
- The prevalence of correct indications for catheterization increased from 50% to 67%.
- The mean cost saved per 100 patients was € 537.
- Significant decreases in catheter duration were observed in internal medicine and surgery wards.
Takeaway
This study shows that hospitals can use fewer urinary catheters, which helps prevent infections and saves money.
Methodology
A before-after comparison study was conducted in ten Dutch hospitals to evaluate an intervention program aimed at reducing urethral catheter use.
Limitations
The study did not assess the effectiveness of specific interventions used in the hospitals.
Participant Demographics
Patients from ten Dutch hospitals, including various wards such as surgical, internal medicine, neurology, and intensive care.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.75 - 0.96
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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