Exploring Patient Satisfaction with External Catheters in a Hospital Setting
Abstract
According to the American Journal of Infection Control, 70-80% of all hospital-acquired urinary tract infections are caused by indwelling catheters (Eckert et al., 2020). However, with advancements in technology and continued research to provide best practices, the use of external urinary collection devices (EUD) has been marketed to have a significant decrease in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). Along with a reduction in infections, the EUD is also less invasive which makes the devices especially beneficial to patients, nursing staff, and hospitals as an organization.
Urinary collection devices allow for accurate monitoring of intake and output, reduce the risk of skin breakdown in incontinent patients, and allow bladder elimination in patients who are bedbound. Indwelling urinary collection devices (IUDs) have been used for years to provide this type of collection. However, IUDs have significant risks; the major risk being infection. To help reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections such as CAUTIs, facilities have begun to use EUDs as an alternative to indwelling devices whenever possible.
As facilities begin to use EUDs more, it is important to determine how well the device is being perceived by patients and if patients find them comfortable. If a patient has a positive experience using the EUDs then they are more likely to be compliant. By developing a patient satisfaction survey to be filled out by female patients, facilities will be able to track patient satisfaction.