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Reducing urinary tract infections in care homes by improving hydration.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

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Authors

Lean, Katie 
Nawaz, Rasanat Fatima 
Jawad, Sundus 
Vincent, Charles 

Abstract

Dehydration may increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can lead to confusion, falls, acute kidney injury and hospital admission. We aimed to reduce the number of UTIs in care home residents which require admission to hospital. The principal intervention was the introduction of seven structured drink rounds every day accompanied by staff training and raising awareness. UTIs requiring antibiotics reduced by 58% and UTIs requiring hospital admissions reduced by 36%, when averaged across the four care homes. Care home residents benefited from greater fluid intake, which in turn may have reduced infection. Structured drink rounds were a low-cost intervention for preventing UTIs and implemented easily by care staff.

Description

Keywords

antibiotic management, healthcare quality improvement, nurses, nursing homes, patient-centred care

Journal Title

BMJ Open Qual

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2399-6641
2399-6641

Volume Title

8

Publisher

BMJ