Catheter patrols: a unique way to reduce the use of convenience urinary catheters.

The increased risk of infections among elders has been was documented. Elder patients often have atypical signs and symptoms that lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment of infection. Urinary incontinence is often overlooked as a sign of infection because of the stereotypical belief that urinary incontinence is a normal part of the aging process. This belief can lead to overuse of indwelling urinary catheters and place the elder patient at even greater risk for infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Guidelines for Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections" lists four criteria that are helpful in determining appropriate urinary catheter usage. These guidelines, along with ongoing nursing assessment of the patient's urinary catheter need, play an important role in protecting elder patients from unnecessary catheter-associated urinary tract infections.