Urinary retention on an acute geriatric hospitalisation unit: prevalence, risk factors and the role of screening, an observational cohort study

Abstract

Key Summary points Aim To determine the prevalence of urinary retention and the role of screening for urinary retention on admission to an acute geriatric hospitalisation unit.Findings A post-void residual volume (PVR) ≥150 ml was present in 29.8% of patients and was independently associated with reporting voiding difficulties or referral to the hospital because of urinary symptoms. A PVR ≥300 was present in 16.0% of patients and was independently associated with not living at home, reporting subtotal voiding, having constipation, and referral to the hospital because of urinary symptoms.Message Screening for urinary retention is most indicated in patients with urinary and defaecation problems, but a low threshold for screening is recommended in all acutely ill geriatric patients