Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Jun 2013
ReviewCan in-hospital urinary catheterization rates be reduced with benefits outweighing the risks?
Urinary catheterization has risks and its use should be limited because it is the main cause of healthcare-associated urinary tract infection. Other risks are the potential for urethral injuries and the possibility that the catheter will be left in permanently. ⋯ A major problem is that the guidelines and criteria for urinary catheterization are inconsistent and open to variable interpretations. More restrictive criteria based on observable patient benefit can reduce rates of urinary catheterization and may improve patient care.