By Ana Paula Ferreira

Nurse

The Importance of Using a Disposable Kit to Reduce Urinary Tract Infection Associated with a Delayed Bladder Catheter

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) represent a significant proportion of Healthcare-Related Infections (HAIs), affecting between 35-45% of adult patients. The incidence density varies from 3.1 to 7.4 cases per 1000 catheters/day, highlighting the importance of effective strategies to prevent these complications. Following the targets set by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) to reduce the 90th percentile (P90) of the incidence density (ID) of UTIs associated with indwelling bladder catheters (IVC) in hospitals with adult and neonatal ICU beds by 2025, the use of a disposable kit with all the necessary components for the correct technique offers significant advantages:

I. Written Protocols:

It allows the creation and implementation of written protocols for the use, insertion and maintenance of the catheter, establishing clear and consistent guidelines.

II. Trained staff:

It ensures that the insertion of the urinary catheter is carried out exclusively by trained staff, reducing the risks associated with inappropriate procedures.

III. Materials with Aseptic Technique:

It guarantees the availability of materials for insertion with aseptic technique, minimizing the potential for contamination and infection.

IV. Technological Resources and Adequate Surveillance:

It ensures the presence of technological resources and trained staff for adequate monitoring of catheter use and its complications, contributing to a proactive approach to care management.

V. Proper Use of Equipment:

It includes the use of gloves, field and forceps, sterile or antiseptic solution for cleaning the urethral meatus, and a single-use tube of lubricant gel for insertion, following practices that promote safety and reduce the risk of infection.

The Kolplast bladder catheterization kit, when standardized for bladder catheterization (BC), provides additional benefits:

Awareness of Bladder Catheterization (BC):

It promotes awareness of VC and its possible side effects, improving health professionals’ understanding of the importance of the technique.

Standardization of Procedures:

It standardizes CV-related procedures, contributing to consistency and quality in execution.

Operational training:

It facilitates training in the correct operation of the CV, ensuring that the team is trained to carry out the procedure effectively and safely.

Provision of Standardized Instruments:

Always provide the same instruments and correlatives necessary for the correct instrumentation of the patient, ensuring that the practice is conducted according to the standards determined in the training.

Conclusion

In closing, as a nurse specializing in training, I reaffirm the vital importance of infection control in health services, recognizing the inherent challenges and the need for a comprehensive approach. Throughout this dialog, we highlight crucial measures for the prevention of Healthcare-Related Infections (HAIs), in line with Anvisa and WHO guidelines.

It is imperative that we recognize the innovations that play a significant role in the effectiveness of infection control practices. In this context, I would like to mention the valuable contribution of Kolplast, a renowned manufacturer of disposable medical products. In addition to the bladder catheterization kit, Kolplast has been a pioneer in the production of other disposable medical devices, providing solutions that not only optimize patient safety, but also contribute to the operational efficiency of healthcare services. This innovative approach resonates with Anvisa’s vision for a future where the prevention of hospital-acquired infections is not only standard practice, but a global priority.

By adopting proactive measures and integrating advanced technologies, we can achieve a significant reduction in HAI rates and create safer and more resilient hospital environments. Kolplast remains dedicated to collaborating with healthcare institutions and healthcare professionals to continually strengthen our efforts to promote patient safety around the world. Ultimately, it is through global cooperation and the adoption of best practices that we can shape a future where hospital infection control is truly effective and accessible to all.

Bibliographical references

NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF HEALTH CARE RELATED INFECTIONS (PNPCIRAS) 2021 to 2025. Anvisa, 2021

Patient Safety and Quality in Health Services Series. Measures to Prevent Healthcare-Related Infection. Anvisa, 2017

A Compendium of Strategies for the Prevention of Healthcare-Related Infections in Acute Care Hospitals. APECIH. 2008

Global report on infection prevention and control. WHO

Guidelines on the essential components of infection prevention and control programs at national and health service level. WHO