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Introducing the UTI assessment tool for intermittent catheter users1
UTIs are a multifactorial condition caused by a variety of factors and intermittent catheter users face their own unique patient journey when dealing with UTIs. The UTI assessment tool for intermittent catheter users introduces a structured method to supplement your dialogue with patients, supporting you in assessing their UTIs to potentially benefit them and increase their quality of life.
Introducing the UTI assessment tool for IC users / 1,58 Minutes
“
As a nurse, we meet users who come to us for guidance. But the reality is that there´s no specific guide for assessing UTIs. Therefore we need a systematic way to discover and address UTI risk factors.
- Susanne Vahr Lauridsen RN,
PhD at Rigshospitalet, Københavns Universitet, Copenhagen, Denmark
The development of the tool followed a long and systematic process to understand both the need of nurses and users.
Listen to the creators of the tool to hear how they ensured those needs were met.
Key themes of the tool
The UTI assessment tool for intermittent catheter users addresses six key themes relevant to assessing UTIs. Click on each section to learn more.
Are the user's signs and symptoms due to a UTI?
| The goal for this section is to confirm whether the user has a UTI and to gain better understanding of their experience such as the occurrence, method of recognition, and personal challenges with UTIs. |  |
How does the user's health impact their UTIs?
| This section explores overall health factors such as menopause, an enlarged prostate, new medication, or changes in bowel movement, that may impact UTIs. |  |
How does IC adherence fit into a user's daily life?
| The objective of this section is to assess how IC fits into the user´s day-to-day life. A number of factors can affect intermittent catheter adherence and users who are happy with their treatment are more likely to maintain adherence. |  |
Is the right technique being used by the user?
| This section evaluates the user's current procedure of catheterisation, letting them demonstrate and describe catheterisation to confirm correct technique and to describe and demonstrate if residual urine may be left behind. |  |
Is the user using the right catheter products?
| This section reviews the products used by the user and determines if they are appropriate for their profile. Discomfort and pain is indicated using the VAS scale and a variety of catheter types are described. |  |
What are the next steps for the user?
| When finalising the assessment, this section uses the information consolidated from the conversation with the user to agree on the next steps and plan on how to address the UTI risk factors. |  |
Would you like to access the full UTI assessment tool for intermittent catheter users to support your daily practice? Sign-up and get in touch with a local TM to access a copy for yourself.
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Tilgang til UVI vurderingsverktøy for brukere av intermitterende kateter one-pager.pdf
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What does complete bladder emptying have to do with reducing UTI risk?
Click to learn more about Residual Urine or Bladder & Urethral Microtrauma
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BladderArticle
What is the link between residual urine and UTIs?
Residual urine is a common problem among Intermittent Catheter (IC) users and remains an important risk factor for developing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Discover more about the impact of residual urine and find tools to help you support your patients in avoiding this risk.
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BladderArticle
Why does urethral and bladder microtrauma occur?
Microtrauma to the urethra or the bladder is a risk factor for developing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Intermittent catheterisation is one of the reasons for microtrauma which is damage to the epithelial cells. This damage contributes to the ability of bacteria to thrive. Learn more about the two types of microtraumas and their impact.
- Lauridsen et al. UTI assessment tool for intermittent catheter users: a way to include user perspectives and enhance quality of UTI management. BMC Nursing (2022) 21:272 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9535847/pdf/12912_2022_Article_1033.pdf