Page 72 - policy and procedure infection control

Policies and Procedures on Infection Control

5. PREVENTION OF HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATED
INFECTIONS

5.1 Urinary Tract Infection

5.1.1 Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common type of HCAIs, accounting for 20% of all
infections in Malaysian hospitals. In addition, several studies have reported that about
80% of UTIs occur following instrumentation, primarily catheterization. The usually benign
nature of catheter-associated UTIs and the perception that they are easily treated by
antibiotics may inhibit aggressive measures for both their prevention and their recognition

5.1.2 Indications for Catheterization

Placement of an indwelling catheter should be performed only when indicated. It should
be removed as soon as possible.
The accepted indications for catheterization are:

1. For short-term (days) management of incontinence (the inability to control urination)
or retention (the inability to pass urine) not helped by other methods.
2. To measure urine output over several days in critically ill patients
3. To instill medications
4. For treatment of bladder outlet obstruction

5. For post-operative management of surgical patients with impaired bladder function

5.1.3 Recommendations To Prevent Catheter-Related UTI
1. Personnel
• Only persons who know the correct technique of aseptic insertion and maintenance
of the catheter should handle catheters.
2. Catheter Use

• Urinary catheters should be inserted only when necessary and left in place only
for as long as it is required. They should not be used solely for the convenience
of patient-care personnel.
• For selected patients, other methods of urinary drainage such as condom catheter
drainage, suprapubic catheterization, and intermittent urethral catheterization may
be more appropriate.

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