Evaluation of Quality-of-Life Improvements Using UroShield Device

Evaluation of Quality-of-Life Improvements Using UroShield for Patients Living in Long Term Care Facilities With Indwelling Urinary Catheters - A Pilot Study

The goal of this pilot study is to test key elements of the full study that will follow, including recruitment and retention strategies, intervention delivery, laboratory testing, data collection methods, and adherence to study protocol.

The main questions the investigators aim to answer focus on implementation and practicality:

• Recruitment feasibility and time to recruit
• How well do participants adhere to device protocol?
• How often do device components (i.e., actuators and drivers) have to be replaced?
• How much time is required for data collection and what sources or methods for data collection are used?

Results of this pilot study will inform the investigators as to necessary protocol modifications and overall feasibility for the larger randomized clinical trial to follow.

The UroShield® device works by generating ultrasonic waves to interfere with attachment of bacteria inside the catheter, preventing biofilm formation and subsequent infections.

This double-blind pilot study aims to recruit 10-20 participants with urinary catheters (urethral or suprapubic catheters) living in nursing homes (NHs) in Michigan. Participants providing consent will be randomized to either the treatment or control group and will have either an active treatment UroShield® device attached or a sham UroShield® device attached to the external tubing of their urinary catheter. Participants will wear the device continuously for a maximum of 90 days. Assessments of pain and quality-of-life will be conducted by study staff over a maximum of 6 study visits, along with clinical data collection via medical record review. A urine sample and catheter sample will also be collected by study staff at each catheter change (approximately every 30 days).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female age 18+
• Indwelling urinary catheter (urethral or suprapubic) in place
• Written informed consent (and assent, when applicable) obtained from participant or participant's legal representative
• Able to comply with the requirements of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Antibiotic use in past 10 days
• Ineligible catheter type in place (e.g., antimicrobial coated, 3-way catheter, condom catheter, nephrostomy tube, wicking device)
• Participation in another drug or device study in past 30 days
• History of poor compliance to medical treatment regimens
• Conditions that may severely compromise their ability to complete the study