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UroShield for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections

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1 Recommendations

1.1 More research is recommended on UroShield for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs). There is some evidence that it works but not enough to recommend it for routine adoption.

1.2 Research should be comparative and include randomisation at the individual or group level. It should address uncertainties about the effectiveness of UroShield in preventing catheter-associated UTIs and other catheter-related complaints such as blockages. Find out more in the further research section of this guidance.

Why the committee made these recommendations

Standard care for preventing catheter-associated UTIs includes good hygiene, reviewing the frequency of planned catheter changes, increasing fluid intake, and documenting blockages. UroShield is an add-on to standard care.

The evidence on UroShield is limited but it suggests it may reduce bacteria in the urine (bacteriuria), infections, and catheter-related problems. Most of the studies measured bacteria in the urine. But it is not certain that this is the best way to detect changes in catheter-associated UTIs and the effectiveness of UroShield.

Cost analyses suggest UroShield may be cost saving in hospital and in people with repeated UTIs in community care. But because the clinical effectiveness of UroShield is uncertain, the cost savings are also uncertain. More research is therefore recommended.