Elderly women get unnecessary UCs.

In a recent study, it was found that more than half of the female ED patients who were 80 or older received unnecessary urinary catheters (UCs). The authors note the following proposed actions to limit these errors: Have clear-cut indications and non-indications for the placement of urinary catheters. Require that all such procedures have orders from an ED physician. Make sure that newer or rotating staff are made aware of your department's guidelines.