title: Why catheterize?: audit findings on the use of urinary catheters.
abstract: Urinary catheters can be associated with complications such as urinary tract infection, pain and discomfort. This article reports on an audit of 51 patients who had a urinary catheter inserted during their hospital stay. Urinary incontinence meant catheterization in 37.5% (n = 27) of cases, with 64.7% (n = 33) being catheterized by nurses. The study highlighted the need for accurate documentation and care planning; 15 patients did not have a plan of care for their catheter and only eight patients had a plan for the removal of the catheter. Catheterization is the most common cause of hospital-acquired infection, and therefore the use of catheters needs careful examination to reduce this type of infection. The question is raised whether catheterization is used as a convenience for nursing staff or as an essential aspect of care.
authors.affiliation: North Bristol Healthcare Trust, Lawrence Weston Clinic, Ridingleaze, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Brennan
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Evans
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004282:Documentation / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000592:standards*; D009731:Nursing Audit; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009737:Nursing Records / Q000592:standards; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000592:standards; D018579:Patient Selection; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing* / Q000592:standards; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*