Miscommunication Among Hospital Staff Can Lead to Serious Patient Infections
Researchers from the University of Michigan investigated infections caused by catheters (urethral or suprapubic) showing that the devices may cause unnecessary infections to patients due to poor communication of health care professionals. The findings were first published in the July 2019 volume of the American Journal of Critical Care, mimicking what previous studies have said and agreeing that when catheters remain in too long, infection is more likely to follow.
Indwelling catheters are a type of catheter commonly used in both hospital and long-term care settings as a urinary assistance device that collects urine from the bladder and disposes of it through a drainage bag. A nurse, or another trained healthcare provider, is the person responsible for performing a safe catheter insertion or removal through the urethra or sometimes through a tiny hole in the abdomen.