Compliance with central venous catheter infection prevention practices after intervention with simulation.

OBJECTIVES: to assess the effect of an educational intervention based on clinical simulation on nursing professionals' compliance with practices to prevent peripherally inserted central venous catheter-associated primary bloodstream infections in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. METHODS: a quasi-experimental study, with preand post-intervention assessment with a single group. The population consisted of 41 nursing professionals, with 31 observations being made before and after the intervention. Analyzes were performed using descriptive statistics and the McNemar non-parametric test. A significance level of 5% was adopted. RESULTS: after the intervention, there was an increase in compliance with prevention practices of surgical antisepsis and professional hand hygiene, skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine, waiting for the time of the effect of alcoholic chlorhexidine and compliance with the sterile technique. CONCLUSIONS: the educational intervention showed an effect on increasing compliance with catheter-associated infection prevention practices.

Programas de ensino-aprendizagem para o cuidado com o cateter venoso central de longa permanência em pacientes oncológicos: revisão sistemática / Teaching-learning programs for the care of long-term central venous catheters in cancer patients: systematic review

Introdução: Pacientes oncológicos em quimioterapia que fazem o uso de Cateter Venoso Central de Longa Permanência (CVC-LP) apresentam riscos inerentes de complicações clínicas, dentre elas, as complicações infecciosas, as quais pode acarretar em maiores taxas de morbimortalidade. Para garantir a prevenção e controle de tais complicações, profissionais de saúde podem recorrer a implementação de outras estratégias de educação em saúde além do fornecimento de, somente, orientações padronizadas ou do cuidado usual, tais como programas de ensino-aprendizagem, direcionados a pacientes oncológicos e/ou seus respectivos cuidadores/familiares, os quais abordem técnicas de manipulação e cuidados adequados com o dispositivo. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de programas de ensino-aprendizagem sobre o cuidado com o CVC-LP, direcionados a pacientes oncológicos em quimioterapia endovenosa e/ou seus respectivos cuidadores/familiares, na prevenção e controle de complicações infecciosas relacionadas a este dispositivo. Método: Revisão sistemática da literatura, relatada segundo as etapas propostas pelo PRISMA. A busca por estudos foi realizada nas bases de dados eletrônicas CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE via portal PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science. A literatura cinzenta foi consultada a partir do Google Scholar. As estratégias de busca foram formuladas e adaptadas segundo as especificidades de cada uma das fontes de informação utilizadas, contendo descritores controlados e palavras-chave. A seleção dos estudos elegíveis foi realizada, por dois revisores de maneira independente e cega, levando em consideração os critérios de elegibilidade previamente estabelecidos. Um terceiro revisor foi consultado para resolver eventuais conflitos. Ao final da seleção, realizou-se a busca manual nas listas de referências dos estudos incluídos, a fim de identificar outros estudos para a inclusão. Os estudos incluídos foram analisados criteriosamente, e submetidos ao processo de extração de dados. Em seguida, o risco de viés de cada estudo foi avaliado utilizando as ferramentas RoB 2 e ROBINS-I, disponibilizadas pela Colaboração Cochrane. Os dados obtidos foram, então, sintetizados, somente, de forma qualitativa, uma vez que, devido a significativa heterogeneidade quanto às configurações metodológicas dos estudos incluídos, não foi possível a realização da síntese quantitativa (metanálise). Resultados: Sete estudos foram considerados elegíveis para compor a presente revisão, sendo dois ensaios clínicos randomizados, dois ensaios clínicos não-randomizados, e três estudos quase-experimentais. Quatro estudos foram realizados com pacientes pediátricos e seus cuidadores/familiares, e três estudos foram realizados com pacientes adultos. Os programas de ensino-aprendizagem implementados para a educação do paciente e/ou cuidador/familiar, sobre o cuidado com o CVC-LP, foram desenvolvidas por meio de dimensões teórico-práticas, em cinco estudos, e por meio de dimensões somente teóricas, em dois estudos. Conclusões: Os programas de ensino-aprendizagem, tanto teóricos como teórico-práticos sobre o cuidado com o CVC-LP, direcionados a pacientes oncológicos em quimioterapia endovenosa e/ou seus respectivos cuidadores/familiares, são mais eficazes na prevenção e controle de complicações infecciosas relacionadas a este dispositivo, do que somente o fornecimento de orientações-padrão e/ou cuidados usuais fornecidos pela equipe de saúde

Background: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who use the Long Term Central Venous Catheter (LT-CVC) present inherent risks of clinical complications, including infectious complications, which can lead to higher rates of morbidity and mortality. To ensure the prevention and control of such complications, healthcare professionals can resort to implementing other health education strategies besides the provision of only standardized guidelines or the usual care, such as teaching-learning programs, aimed to cancer patients and/or their respective caregivers/parents, that address handling techniques and proper care of the device. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of teaching-learning programs about LT-CVC care, aimed at cancer patients undergoing intravenous chemotherapy and/or their respective caregivers/parents, in the prevention and control of infectious complications related to this device. Method: Systematic review of the literature, reported according to the steps proposed by PRISMA. The search for studies was performed in the electronic databases CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE via PubMed portal, Scopus and Web of Science. Gray literature was consulted using Google Scholar. Search strategies was formulated and adapted according to the specificities of each information source, containing controlled descriptors and keywords. The selection of eligible studies was performed by two reviewers independently and blindly, take into account previously established eligibility criteria. A third reviewer was consulted to resolve any conflicts. At the end of the selection, a hand search was performed in the references lists of included studies, in order to identify other studies for inclusion. The included studies were carefully analyzed, and submitted to the process of data extraction. After that, the risk of bias of each study was assessed using the RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. The data obtained were then synthesized only qualitatively, since, due to significant heterogeneity regarding the methodological configurations of the included studies, it was not possible to perform a quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). Results: Seven studies were considered eligible to compose the present review, being two randomized clinical trials, two non-randomized clinical trials, and three quasi-experimental studies. Four studies were performed with pediatric patients and their caregivers/parents, and three studies were performed with adult patients. The teaching-learning programs implemented for patient and caregivers/parents education on the LT-CVC care were developed through theoretical-practical dimensions, in five studies, and through only theoretical dimensions, in two studies. Conclusions: Teaching-learning programs, both theoretical and theoretical-practical, aimed to cancer patients undergoing intravenous chemotherapy and/or their respective caregivers/parents, are more effective in preventing and controlling infectious complications related to this device, than, only, the provision of standard-orientations and/or usual care provided by the healthcare team

A Review of Best Practices Related to Intravenous Line Management for Nurses.

The insertion, use, and maintenance of peripheral and central intravenous lines are skills used by nurses in a variety of health care and hospital settings. However, patient vascular access is not without potential complications that can result in patient harm. The aim of this review is to identify and summarize nursing research standards of care, and best practices for safe management and prevention of catheter-associated bloodstream infections related to peripheral intravascular (PIV) and central intravenous (CVC) line placement. The authors focused on concepts of site selection, skin preparation and insertion, securement, and maintenance and removal criteria for PIV and CVC.

Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections with Incontinence Management Alternatives: PureWick and Condom Catheter.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) have a high financial and human impact on patients and society at large, making CAUTI prevention strategies essential. A shift has occurred where nurses play an increased role in infection prevention. Nurses promote staff and patient education on CAUTI prevention, identification of appropriate urinary incontinence management, and implementation of bundles and patient care strategies to minimize complications from urinary incontinence management. Because they understand the severity of CAUTI and current recommendations, nurses at the bedside are in the best position to identify appropriate indications of indwelling urinary catheters and external urine collection devices for patients.

Analysis of risk factors of PICC-related bloodstream infection in newborns: implications for nursing care.

BACKGROUND: It is necessary to analyze the characteristics and risk factors of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in newborns with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). METHODS: Newborns undergoing PICC catheterization in the neonatal department of our hospital from January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021 were included. The characteristics of newborns with and without CRBSI newborns were compared and analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors of CRBSI in newborns with PICC. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-six newborns with PICC were included, of whom 41 newborns had the CRBSI, the incidence of CRBSI in newborns with PICC was 10.62%. There were significant differences regarding the birth weight, durations of PICC stay, 5-min Apgar score, site of PICC insertion of PICC between CRBSI and no CRBSI group (all P < 0.05), and there were no significant differences regarding the gender, gestational age, cesarean section, mechanical ventilation and length of hospital stay between CRBSI and no CRBSI group (all P > 0.05). Escherichia coli (26.08%) and Staphylococcus aureus (23.92%) were the most common CRBSI pathogens in newborns with PICC. Logistic regression analysis indicated that birth weight ≤ 1500 g (OR 1.923, 95% CI 1.135-2.629), durations of PICC stay ≥ 21 days (OR 2.077, 95% CI 1.024-3.431), 5-min Apgar score ≤ 7 (OR 2.198, 95% CI 1.135-3.414) and femoral vein insertion of PICC (OR 3.044, 95% CI 1.989-4.306) were the independent risk factors of CRBSI in neonates with PICC (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: For newborns with low birth weight, longer durations of PICC stay and femoral vein PICC insertion, they may have higher risks of CRBSI, and medical staff should take targeted measures to reduce the development of CRBSI.

Hiding in Plain Sight: Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Infections.

TOPIC: This article presents an overview of the burden of peripheral intravenous catheter infections and current evidence-based recommendations for prevention. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peripheral intravenous catheters are ubiquitous in most health care settings, fostering an acceptance of the peripheral intravenous catheter as benign and inevitable. This device, however, is far from benign, with reported failure rates as high as 90% from complications such as infection and phlebitis. Although reported rates of bloodstream infection related to peripheral intravenous catheters are much lower than those attributed to central venous catheters, the exponentially higher use of peripheral intravenous catheters indicates that the absolute number of peripheral venous catheter-related bloodstream infections is likely as high as and may surpass the number of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections, with significant associated morbidity and mortality. PURPOSE OF PAPER: Sustained improvements in outcomes related to peripheral intravenous catheters will depend on recognition of the root causes of failure and increased commitment to practice patterns consistent with infusion therapy standards of practice, effective education about peripheral intravenous catheters, accurate documentation of all aspects of peripheral intravenous catheter management, and consistent surveillance of patient outcomes related to peripheral intravenous catheters. CONTENT COVERED: This article reviews the significant burden of peripheral intravenous catheter infections, barriers to effective peripheral intravenous catheter management, and current evidence-based recommendations to prevent this source of patient harm.

Catéter central de inserción periférica en trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos. Infusión de células hematopoyéticas y complicaciones / Peripherally inserted central catheter in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Infusion of haematopoietic cells and complications

OBJETIVO: Analizar la incidencia de complicaciones relacionadas con el catéter central de inserción periférica y la viabilidad de la infusión de las células madre hematopoyéticas mediante bombas de perfusión volumétrica. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo que incluye a todos los pacientes que recibieron un trasplante hematopoyético en el Servicio de Hematología del Hospital Clínico de Valencia entre enero y diciembre de 2016 (n=73). A todos se les colocó un catéter central de inserción periférica. Se utilizó el programa informático SPSS® V.22 para realizar el análisis descriptivo de las principales variables utilizando un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Se realizó el análisis de la t de Student para comparar las medias de 2 muestras independientes suponiendo varianzas desiguales. RESULTADO: El 63% (n=73) de los catéteres se mantuvieron sin problemas durante todo el procedimiento. La principal causa de retirada del catéter fue la fiebre de origen desconocido (28,8%). La mediana de días para la recuperación hematológica en el trasplante autólogo fue de 12,5 días y en el alogénico de 15 días. CONCLUSIONES: El catéter central de inserción periférica presenta pocas complicaciones relacionadas con la inserción. La administración de las células hematopoyéticas a través de este tipo de catéteres y con bombas de perfusión volumétrica no supone un retraso en la recuperación hematológica. Se constata una buena aceptación por parte del paciente

AIMS: To analyze the incidence of complications related to the central peripheral insertion catheter and the viability of the infusion of haematopoietic stem cells through volumetric perfusion pumps. METHOD: Prospective descriptive study that includes all patients who received a haematopoietic transplant in the Haematology Service of the Hospital Clínico de Valencia between January and December 2016 (n=73). All of them received a central peripheral insertion catheter. SPSS™ v22 was used to perform the descriptive analysis of the main variables using a confidence interval of 95%. The student's t-test was used to compare the means of two independent samples assuming unequal variances. RESULTS: The 63% (n=73) of the catheters remained without problems throughout the procedure. Fever of unknown origin (28.8%) was the main cause of catheter removal. The median number of days for haematological recovery was 12.5 for the autologous transplants and 15 for the allogeneic transplants. CONCLUSIONS: The central peripheral insertion catheter presents few complications related to insertion. The administration of haematopoietic cells through these catheters with volumetric perfusion pumps does not imply a delay in haematological recovery. Good acceptance by the patient is confirmed

Effect of a Nurse-Led Protocol on Time to Treatment of Partial Occlusions in Central Venous Access Devices in Pediatric Oncology.

Central venous access devices (CVADs) are the standard of care in pediatric oncology. Occlusion is a common complication that can lead to delays in therapy, readmission, and CVAD removal and reinsertion. Early treatment of partial occlusions using a standardized protocol may restore patency and increase life span of CVADs. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a nurse-led protocol to manage partial CVAD occlusions in pediatric oncology and autologous bone marrow transplant patients. The protocol enabled nurses to manage partially occluded CVADs by administering thrombolytic therapy following an algorithm and patient-specific standing order. The primary outcome was time from recognition of the partial occlusion to instillation of a thrombolytic. Secondary outcomes were thrombolytic dwell time, number of complete occlusions, and CVAD life span. We used a quasi-experimental, after-only, nonequivalent control group design to compare patients not exposed (retrospective cohort, n = 137) and patients exposed (prospective cohort, n = 101) to the nurse-led protocol. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare time to treatment, dwell time, and CVAD life span between cohorts, and χ2 was used to compare the proportion of occlusions classified as complete. Time to treatment was significantly lower in the prospective cohort (M = 99.9 minutes) versus the retrospective cohort (M = 483.7 minutes), U = 1366.50, p < .01, as was thrombolytic dwell time, U = 282.50, p < .01. Proportion of complete occlusions and CVAD life span did not differ between cohorts. The nurse-led protocol was effective to manage partial CVAD occlusions in pediatric oncology patients.

Dificultades en el cumplimiento de recomendaciones para prevenir las complicaciones asociadas a dispositivos de acceso vascular / Difficulties in the implementation of recommendations to prevent the complications associated with vascular access devices

OBJETIVO: conocer las dificultades en el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones según la Care Bundle para prevenir las complicaciones asociadas a dispositivos de acceso vascular y valorar los factores asociados a las dificultades identificadas. MÉTODO: estudio transversal descriptivo. La población de estudio fueron médicos y enfermeras del Hospital Universitario Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida (HUAV). Se administró un cuestionario pre y post-intervención formativa, con un intervalo de cuatro meses. La formación consistió en una sesión formativa de una hora de duración dirigida a todos los profesionales del estudio sobre la importancia de aplicar las ocho recomendaciones más relevantes de la Care Bundle. Se llevó a cabo un análisis descriptico y bivariante. RESULTADOS: participaron 150 (31%) profesionales en la fase pre y 184 (38%) en la fase post-intervención. Las dificultades más prevalentes en ambas fases fueron: retirar los catéteres innecesarios (38 (25,3%) vs. 32 (17,4%)), el mantenimiento diario del catéter (47 (31,3%) vs. 48 (26,1%)), el manejo y/o acceso higiénico al sistema circulatorio (44 (29,3) vs. 25 (13,6)) y recambiar los catéteres venosos periféricos según protocolo (68 (45,6) vs. 73 (39,7)). Los factores asociados con dichas dificultades fueron principalmente ser enfermera (p< 0,05) y las unidades de trabajo quirúrgica (p< 0,05) y hospitalización (p< 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: las dificultades más prevalentes en el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones según la Care Bundle fueron retirar los catéteres innecesarios, el mantenimiento diario de las vías centrales y/o periféricas, el manejo y/o acceso higiénico al sistema circulatorio a través del CVC o periférico, y el recambio de los catéteres venosos periféricos según el protocolo. Los factores asociados a estas dificultades fueron la categoría profesional y la unidad donde se atiende al paciente

OBJECTIVE: to understand the difficulties for implementing the recommendations according to the Care Bundle in order to prevent the complications associated with vascular access devices, and to assess those factors associated with the difficulties identified. METHOD: a descriptive transversal study, with a population formed by clinicians and nurses from the Hospital Universitario Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV) in Lleida. A pre-and-post training intervention questionnaire was applied, with a 4-month-interval. Training consisted in a 1-hour training session targeted to all professionals in the study, on the importance of implementing the eight most relevant recommendations in the Care Bundle. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was conducted. RESULTS: the study included 150 (31%) professionals in the pre-intervention and 184 (38%) in the post-intervention stages. The most prevalent difficulties in both stages were: removing unnecessary catheters (38 (25.3%) vs. 32 (17.4%)), daily maintenance of catheters (47 (31.3%) vs. 48 (26.1%)), hygienic management and/or access to the circulatory system (44 (29.3) vs. 25 (13.6)) and replacing peripheral vein catheters according to protocol (68 (45.6) vs. 73 (39.7)). The factors associated with both difficulties were: mainly being a nurse (p< 0.05) and the surgical (p< 0.05) and hospitalization work units (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: the most prevalent difficulties for implementing the recommendations according to the Care Bundle were: removing unnecessary catheters, daily maintenance of central and/or peripheral IV lines, hygienic management and/or access to the circulatory system through central or peripheral venous catheter, and replacing peripheral vein catheters according to protocol. The factors associated with these difficulties were professional category and the unit where the patient is managed

Enhanced infection control interventions reduced catheter-related bloodstream infections in the neonatal department of Hung Vuong Hospital, Vietnam, 2011-2012: a pre- and post-intervention study.

Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) cause high neonatal mortality and are related to inadequate aseptic technique during the care and maintenance of a catheter. The incidence of CR-BSI among neonates in Hung Vuong Hospital was higher than that of other neonatal care centres in Vietnam. Methods: An 18-month pre- and post-intervention study was conducted over three 6-month periods to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention for CR-BSI and to identify risk factors associated with CR-BSI. During the intervention period, we trained all nurses in the Department of Neonatology on BSI preventive practices, provided auditing and feedback about aseptic technique during catheter care and maintenance, and reorganised preparation of total parenteral nutrition. All neonates with intravenous catheter insertion ≥48 h in the pre- and post-intervention period were enrolled. A standardised questionnaire was used to collect data. Blood samples were collected for cultures. We used Poisson regression to calculate rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for CR-BSI incidence rates and logistic regression to identify risk factors associated with CR-BSI. Results: Of 2225 neonates enrolled, 1027 were enrolled in the pre-intervention period, of which 53 CR-BSI cases occurred in 8399 catheter-days, and 1198 were enrolled in the post-intervention period, of which 32 CR-BSI cases occurred in 8324 catheter-days. Incidence rates of CR-BSI significantly decreased after the intervention (RR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.39-0.94). Days of hospitalisation, episodes of non-catheter-related hospital-acquired infections, and the proportion of deaths significantly decreased after the intervention (p < 0.01). The CR-BSI was associated with days of intravenous catheter (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.08), use of endotracheal intubation (OR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.27-4.06), and intravenous injection (OR = 8.50, 95% CI 1.14-63.4). Conclusions: The interventions significantly decreased the incidence rate of CR-BSI. Regular refresher training and auditing and feedback about aseptic technique during care and maintenance of catheters are critical to reducing CR-BSI.

Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection: A Multipronged Collaborative Approach.

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are highly preventable and have significant impact on patient morbidity and mortality as well as financial consequences for the health care system. LOCAL: CAUTI rates were documented to be higher in the general internal medicine units when compared with the overall hospital rates. METHODS: A comparative analysis was undertaken. INTERVENTION: An interprofessional working group developed and implemented a quality improvement initiative bundled approach to reducing CAUTIs. RESULTS: There was a 79% reduction in average CAUTI rates following the bundle implementation along with reduced variability in rates. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a standardized bundle of practices aimed at reducing CAUTIs resulted in decreased CAUTI rates. Organizations can use the design and implementation approach to reduce and minimize CAUTI rates, which can positively impact cost, care experience, and outcomes.

Effect of a Systemwide Approach to a Reduction in Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections.

BACKGROUND: Unit-based initiatives were deployed independently creating silos in practice variability across the system with little impact on reduction of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). PROBLEM: The goal was to decrease CLABSI systemwide by establishing standardized evidence-based practice (EBP) procedures to advance nursing practice. APPROACH: A new innovative method, the Ferrari Method for Practice Standardization, enhanced the quality infrastructure by merging EBP and lean methodology to translate nursing innovations into practice. Leveraging a culture of shared decision making to support autonomy, as well as collaborating interprofessionally, allowed the organization to standardize and sustain CLABSI prevention. OUTCOMES: The Ferrari Method for Practice Standardization successfully reduced CLABSI rates by 48% over a 1-year improvement cycle. Eight standardized EBP clinical procedures were developed and implemented across the organization. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the Ferrari Method for Practice Standardization swiftly moves new knowledge into clinical practice to improve outcomes. Using standardized improvement methodology, it eases the interprofessional approval processes, maximizes autonomy, and focuses on quality care.

Benefits of nurse-led continence prescription services for effective stock management and streamlined prescribing.

The UK has an ageing population, and with continence-related issues expected to rise, there will be increasing demands for specialist input within nurse-led continence prescription services. Continence nurse specialists can apply expert product knowledge to ensure patients are prescribed bladder and bowel appliances that are of high quality, the most appropriate product for the patient and also cost effective. The management of catheter drainage and fixation supplies can be challenging, particularly for services managing caseloads of multiple patients living with catheters. Ugo 4 Weeks has been created to help streamline the process of ordering continence products and reducing appliance wastage for catheterised patients living in the community setting. Each box provides a 4-week supply of catheter drainage and fixation supplies and can be prescribed on a single prescription. It enables better control over stock levels, reducing the risk of accidental over-ordering and stockpiling, thereby generating significant cost savings.

Navel to Knees With Chlorhexidine Gluconate: Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections.

Urinary tract infections are the most common type of health care-associated infection, and greater than 75% of them are attributed to an indwelling urinary catheter. A catheter-associated urinary infection may lead to a longer hospital length of stay by as many as 4 days. A new patient care standard requiring twice-daily chlorhexidine cleansing from umbilicus to knees was implemented on all patients of the pilot unit with a urinary catheter. This same technique was used after a patient with a urinary catheter had an incontinent bowel movement. The 9-month average catheter-associated urinary infection rate decreased from 3.06/1000 urinary catheter days to 0.46/1000 urinary catheter days after implementation of the new standard. The use of chlorhexidine for routine urinary catheter care and after bowel movements from umbilicus to knees for patients with urinary catheters may significantly decrease catheter-associated urinary tract infections when compared with the standard of care using soap and water. Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence guidelines were used in reporting these data.

Variations in indwelling urinary catheter use in four Australian acute care hospitals.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify the point prevalence of indwelling urinary catheters (IDCs) in adult inpatients in acute care hospitals, and to describe the indications for IDC insertion based on patient age, gender, specialty and hospital. BACKGROUND: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are preventable healthcare-associated infections. IDC duration is the strongest predictor of CAUTI, and little is known about characteristics of patients who receive an IDC. DESIGN: Two single-day point prevalence surveys collected baseline patient data as part of a larger pre-post control-intervention study. METHODS: Surveys were conducted at four acute care hospitals in NSW, Australia, for all adult patients. Data collection included IDC presence, insertion details and urine culture collection. Point prevalence data were linked with electronically extracted patient demographic data. This study is presented in line with STROBE checklist (See Supplementary File 1). RESULT: Data from 1,630 patients were analysed, with 196 patients (12%) identified as having an IDC on the survey dates. IDC prevalence rates were higher in males (13%) than in females (11%). Critical care had the highest rate of patients with IDCs (42%). Urine cultures were collected in 70 patients with an IDC (43%). CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated similar rates of IDC use in males and females, and there was no significant difference in age between patients with or without an IDC. However, indication for IDC varied by patient age and gender. High rates of urine culture collection may represent routine collection. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: IDC use is found across genders, all age groups and specialties. Nurses should be aware that any of their patients may have an IDC and be particularly aware of certain indications based on patient age and gender. Routine urine culture collection is not advised, and instead, nurses should be guided by clinical decision-making tools.