Can silver alloy catheters reduce infection rates?

BACKGROUND Catheter associated urinary tract infections remain a persistent challenge in healthcare practice. AIM To establish whether silver alloy urinary catheters reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections compared with standard silicone or latex urinary catheters in short-term hospitalised adult patients. METHOD Analysis of eight studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills for Practitioners tool. RESULTS A consistent pattern emerged that supported the effectiveness of silver alloy urinary catheters over uncoated catheters to reduce infections in adult patients. CONCLUSION Changing practice to use silver alloy catheters would have a significant impact on patient care