An Observational, Multinational, In Hospital Evaluation of Catheter Utilization Rates in Female Patients Using Indwelling Urinary Catheters and the PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter Across Europe and the Middle East

Urinary catheterization is commonly used in hospitalized patients for the management of urinary incontinence, immobilization, and monitoring of urinary output. However, indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) are associated with clinically significant risks, including catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), other infectious and non-infectious complications, prolonged hospital stay, and increased healthcare costs. The risk of complications increases with the duration of catheterization, highlighting the need for strategies to reduce unnecessary catheter use and minimize catheter dwell time.

The PureWick™ Female External Catheter (FFEC) is a non-invasive urine collection device designed to manage urinary incontinence in female patients without the need for an indwelling catheter. By providing an alternative approach to urinary management, it has the potential to reduce reliance on IUCs and associated complications while improving patient comfort and quality of care.

This study is a prospective, multinational, observational, sequential two-cohort study conducted in hospitalized adult female patients across Europe and the Middle East. The study aims to evaluate the effect of introducing the PureWick™ FFEC into clinical practice on indwelling urinary catheter utilization rates in routine hospital care.

Approximately 240 adult female patients requiring urinary management for incontinence during hospitalization will be enrolled across multiple clinical sites. The study consists of two sequential cohorts within participating sites. In Cohort 1, patients will receive standard care using indwelling urinary catheters only. In Cohort 2, following the introduction of the PureWick™ FFEC, patients will be managed using either the external catheter alone or in combination with indwelling catheters, according to routine clinical practice.

The primary objective is to compare indwelling urinary catheter utilization rates before and after the introduction of the PureWick™ FFEC. Catheter utilization is defined as the proportion of inpatient days during which an indwelling catheter is used (catheter-days per patient-days).

Secondary objectives include assessment of the occurrence and nature of adverse events, including urinary tract infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, incontinence-associated dermatitis, and falls, as well as evaluation of hospital length of stay. Exploratory objectives include assessment of patient and healthcare professional experience, device usability and satisfaction, pain and discomfort, and sleep quality.

Participants will be followed from enrollment until hospital discharge or up to 40 days, whichever occurs first. The results of this study are intended to provide real-world evidence on urinary catheter utilization patterns and to inform clinical practice regarding the role of non-invasive urinary management strategies in hospitalized female patients.