title: Should antibiotics be prescribed when urinary catheters are removed?
abstract: Each year around one million urinary catheters are inserted in NHS hospitals. In around 60% of cases prophylactic antibiotics are prescribed prior to removal. This practice aims to reduce infection risks, but is not supported by evidence. Inappropriate prescribing increases antibiotic resistance, already a serious and worsening problem, and exposes patients to the hazards of antibiotic prescribing. This practice also costs an estimated £1.35-£2.7 million pounds annually. Nurses at all levels can have a huge influence on catherterization rates and catheter management. This can reduce the risks of harm and infection and improve quality of care.
authors.affiliation: Ealing NHS Trust. linda@nazarko.co.uk
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nazarko
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D020878:Device Removal / Q000451:nursing; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000451:nursing; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents