title: A review of educational programs to reduce UTIs among individuals with SCI.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs in reducing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI).
  
  
  METHODS
  A search of all relevant literature published up to and including July 2012 was conducted using multiple databases. Methodological quality was rated using the PEDro tool for randomized control trials (RCTs) and the Downs and Black tool for non-RCTs; levels of evidence were assigned using a modified Sackett scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four articles were selected for review. As a result of an education program, a level 2 prospective control trial reported a reduction in number of UTIs (p = .02), but a level 2 RCT did not. A pre-post study found a reduction in number of UTIs while a case-control study did not; however, these studies did not compute statistics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is limited positive evidence that education programs reduce the incidence of UTIs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Optimal urinary health of individuals with SCI may be optimized via education programs that provide information and enhance skills.
authors.affiliation: Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Parkwood Hospital, London, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mays
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.forename: Swati
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Dalton
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wolfe
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Teasell
mesh_terms: D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing / Q000193:education*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000451:nursing*; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords: Spinal cord injury; bladder; education; urinary tract infection