For adults with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (ANLUTD), intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) is the gold standard for bladder emptying1. ISC is best practice as it has the lowest potential for long-term complications, when compared to alternative methods of bladder emptying, such as indwelling catheterization.1,2 However, many individuals performing ISC still suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs) and this challenge persists throughout their life:
As healthcare professionals (HCPs), it is important to reduce and prevent the occurrence of UTIs in this population. Unfortunately, IC-associated UTIs are multi-factorial4 and many factors need to be considered, making it potentially difficult to prevent and solve.
How can we navigate the multi-factorial complexity of UTIs?
This theme dives into the multi-factorial nature of UTI’s by introducing a digital version of the UTI risk factors model. Built on the foundation of the peer-reviewed publication, the model provides an overview of potential risk factors related to UTIs, focusing on factors that in daily practice, can be handled and modified by the HCP and the user to benefit the individual catheter user.
Click below to learn about key UTI risk factors such as residual urine and microtrauma, and understand what can be done to support these issues.