title: Intermittent self-catheterisation in women: reducing the risk of UTIs.
abstract: Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is the insertion and removal of a catheter to drain the bladder and is a safe and effective way to preserve renal function. It can be used as a one-off intervention to drain urine post-operatively or to measure residual urine volumes if a bladder scanner is unavailable. ISC can also be used as a long-term option to manage bladder dysfunction, and for some provides an excellent option to maintain independence and improve quality of life. Urinary tract infections are a common complication for women undertaking ISC. This article explores the prevention of urinary tract infections in women undertaking long-term ISC for the management of bladder dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Course Director and Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bardsley
keywords: Catheters; Self-care; Urinary catheterisation; Urinary retention; Urinary tract infections