Urinary Tract Infection in Clients With Spinal Cord Injury Who Use Intermittent Clean Self Catheterisation

Urinary tract infection (UTI) was identified as a significant issue for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) performing intermittent clean self-catheterisation (ICSC) in the community. A review of the literature was undertaken to establish the major risk factors of UTI and how these risks could be reduced in practice. The majority of authors recommended the use of a clean catheterisation technique in the community. The maintenance of appropriate bladder volumes, low residuals and regular emptying intervals appear to be of paramount importance for minimising risk of UTI for this client group.