Evidenced based review of recommendations addressing the frequency of changing long-term indwelling urinary catheters in older adults

The frequency of changing long-term indwelling urinary catheters is a subject of debate. The focus of this integrative review is to determine if routinely scheduled changes of long-term indwelling urinary catheters in older adults is evidence-based. There are no current research studies specifically studying routine changes of chronic indwelling urinary catheters available to support or refute this common practice. The frequency of chronic urinary catheter changes should be tailored to the individual patient and occur as clinically indicated. Rigorous research studies are needed to advance the science used to provide evidence-based care for this vulnerable population.