A Retrospective Study Comparing Infection Rates in Intermittent vs. Indwelling Catheterization in Hospitalized Patients
Advisor(s)
Megan Lieb
Jamie Hunsicker
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
11-4-2025 11:00 AM
End Date
11-4-2025 11:50 AM
Abstract
Problem:
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are a common infection in hospitalized patients, contributing to increased morbidity, length of stay, and overall healthcare costs. While intermittent and indwelling catheterization are both used for urinary management, differences in infection rates remain a concern, highlighting the importance of researching the safest and most effective option for hospitalized patients.
Aim:
The purpose of this research is to determine if there is a decreased incidence of urinary tract infections in patients who use intermittent catheterization compared to patients who use indwelling catheterization.
Methods:
This study will use a retrospective chart review to assess infection rates in hospitalized patients requiring urinary catheterization. The independent variable of this study is the type of catheterization (intermittent vs indwelling). The dependent variable of this study is incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, determined by clinical symptoms(fever, dysuria, increased WBC count) and positive urine cultures. Patient medical records will be reviewed for catheter type, duration of use, documented symptoms of infection, and microbiology results. Infection rates will be compared between the two groups over the hospital stay and 48 hours after the catheter is removed.
Conclusion:
This study has the potential to impact evidence based practice regarding catheter use in hospitalized patients. Findings may support lower infection rates with the use of intermittent catheters compared to indwelling catheters.
Recommended Citation
Porterfield, Ella L., "A Retrospective Study Comparing Infection Rates in Intermittent vs. Indwelling Catheterization in Hospitalized Patients" (2025). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 40.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2025/Posters/40
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A Retrospective Study Comparing Infection Rates in Intermittent vs. Indwelling Catheterization in Hospitalized Patients
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem:
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are a common infection in hospitalized patients, contributing to increased morbidity, length of stay, and overall healthcare costs. While intermittent and indwelling catheterization are both used for urinary management, differences in infection rates remain a concern, highlighting the importance of researching the safest and most effective option for hospitalized patients.
Aim:
The purpose of this research is to determine if there is a decreased incidence of urinary tract infections in patients who use intermittent catheterization compared to patients who use indwelling catheterization.
Methods:
This study will use a retrospective chart review to assess infection rates in hospitalized patients requiring urinary catheterization. The independent variable of this study is the type of catheterization (intermittent vs indwelling). The dependent variable of this study is incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, determined by clinical symptoms(fever, dysuria, increased WBC count) and positive urine cultures. Patient medical records will be reviewed for catheter type, duration of use, documented symptoms of infection, and microbiology results. Infection rates will be compared between the two groups over the hospital stay and 48 hours after the catheter is removed.
Conclusion:
This study has the potential to impact evidence based practice regarding catheter use in hospitalized patients. Findings may support lower infection rates with the use of intermittent catheters compared to indwelling catheters.