Prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. An integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To identify and synthesize strategies for the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Method: An integrative review of original articles published in English between 2015 and 2025 in SCOPUS, PUBMED, EMBASE, LILACS databases, available for full-text reading, and which explicitly addressed prevention strategies for urinary tract infections associated with urinary catheter use, was conducted. Results: A total of 22 studies were included after applying eligibility criteria and assessing methodological quality using instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Five categories of preventive strategies were identified: packages  (5), timely withdrawal protocols (5), educational and quality improvement programs (5), technological interventions and alternatives to catheterization (4), and clinical practice guidelines and/or updates (3). Conclusions: The prevention and management of catheter-associated urinary tract infections require a multimodal approach supported by institutional leadership and a culture of safety. Bundles, protocols for timely catheter removal led by nursing staff, and alternatives to permanent catheterization are the strategies with the greatest scientific support.