Using the Library Service to Support UTI Care in the Community
In community nursing, managing persistent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be challenging, particularly when hospital admission is the usual route for intravenous treatment. This case study demonstrates how the Portsmouth community nursing team collaborated with the library service to access and apply the latest evidence on using intramuscular gentamicin as an alternative. By integrating research findings with clinical expertise, the team was able to innovate patient care, improve outcomes, and reduce hospital admissions, highlighting the crucial role of the library in supporting evidence-based practice.
What we did:
A Consultant Nurse within the Portsmouth community wanted to explore the evidence base around using treatments for persistent urinary tract infections in the community—a frequent cause of hospital admissions. The library service planned and undertook a comprehensive evidence search (including evidence from pharmacology and pharmacy sources such as local and national formulary guidance), which provided learning from publications that would complement clinical experience and trust governance and decision-making.
Impact on patient care:
The use of intramuscular gentamicin for urinary tract infections has been implemented across the community nursing team. The Nursing Lead reflects, “Importantly, the information I’ve accessed has not only enhanced my own understanding but has also been shared with colleagues, enabling them to deliver informed presentations within their areas of expertise. The library team has played a key role in helping me explore the evidence base for practice, which has supported innovative approaches to care—such as using intramuscular gentamicin for treating UTIs in the community, offering an alternative to hospital-based IV administration. This has enabled us to avoid acute hospital admission for one patient in particular, who had previously been admitted to secondary care for intravenous antibiotics for UTI on a number of occasions.”
Reflections on the value of a library service:
“The library service is an essential part of my ability to perform my role effectively. Working in an evolving field, I rely on the library to research current thinking and developments around topics of interest. The team has supported me in locating relevant papers and conducting targeted searches, which have directly contributed to presentations I’ve delivered at organisational conferences.
I value the depth and breadth of databases available to me. Even as access has changed recently, the library team has guided me in navigating new sources and tools. Their support underpins my commitment to excellence in practice and improving patient care. Having access to someone who understands how to use these systems is essential for improving patient care. I want to emphasise how invaluable the library service is to my work. It truly makes a difference.”