Evaluation of urinary retention after vaginal delivery and implementation of the best practice in Alzahra and Taleghani educational and medical centers

Abstract

Postpartum urinary retention (PUR) is one of the most common cases in women after vaginal delivery. PUR in these women, although does not have a life-threatening effect, it leads to the discomfort of patients and the risk of complications such as bladder rupture and recurrent urinary infections. Objective: The aim of this evidence implementation project was to evaluate urinary retention after vaginal delivery in Alzahra and Taleghani educational and medical centers in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: A clinical audit was undertaken using the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI PACES) tool. Eight audit criteria, representing the best practice recommendations for evaluation of urinary retention after vaginal delivery were used. A baseline audit was conducted, followed by the implementation of multiple strategies. The project was finalized with a follow-up audit to evaluate changes in practice. Results: Results of this clinical audit indicated that all areas have improved after the implementation of the intervention compared to the baseline audit. Also, the compliance with the standard after the implementation of the interventions in all areas except criteria 2 and 7 is above 50% and acceptable. These two criteria are related to pre-operative screening of patients for PUR and bladder ultrasound screening.