title: Patients' perspectives on timing of urinary catheter removal after surgery.
abstract: A prolonged catheter duration is a major risk factor for catheter-associated urinary tract infection, with bacteriuria increasing by 5% per day (Gokula et al, 2004).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this study, the authors explored patients' perceptions of the care process relating to peri-operative catheterisation to identify patient factors that encourage early removal.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews, incorporating a grounded theory approach, were performed on three men and seven women during 2010. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using constant comparative method and thematic framework analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Catheter duration ranged 1-10 days. Main themes elicited included: lack of understanding of the purpose and catheterisation process; loss of patient autonomy and dignity; and impact of environmental factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lack of knowledge of the catheterisation process among participants led to fears and concerns that may have contributed to delayed catheter removal. Changes to patient care that are likely to reduce catheter duration include ensuring the provision of pre-operative information, greater patient involvement in catheter removal decisions, and provision of easily accessible toilet facilities.
authors.affiliation: Newcastle University. rashmi.bhardwaj@nuth.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Rashmi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bhardwaj
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pickard
authors.forename: Debbie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Carrick-Sen
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Brittain
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D055499:Catheter-Related Infections / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D020878:Device Removal / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D062885:Urinary Catheters