06 March 2020

Over one million indwelling urinary catheters are inserted every year in the UK; this equates to between 12 and 24% of hospital patients having an indwelling catheter at some point during their inpatient stay (Feneley et al, 2015).

The use of indwelling urinary catheters in the care sector can be higher (Royal College of Physicians, 2004; Loveday et al, 2015).

Nurses should be familiar with best practice and understand the advantages and disadvantages of using indwelling urinary catheters in the urethral and suprapubic sites.

21 March 2022

Indwelling urinary catheters remain one of the most used clinically invasive devices in the UK, with approximately 90,000 people living in community settings in England currently using long-term urinary catheters. Use of a catheter valve system may improve the chance of normal bladder function resuming following the removal of the catheter. This article explores some of the clinical evidence supporting the use of catheter valves and advice on best practice.

27 July 2020

Indwelling urinary catheters remain one of the most commonly used clinically invasive devices across the NHS and social care in the UK. The problems associated with the prolonged use of catheters are widely referenced. Healthcare-acquired infections (HCAIs) currently result in 5,000 preventable deaths a year, with 20% of all HCAIs associated with the urinary tract. Many staff have learned catheterisation techniques in their early careers, with no need for a formal review of skills and knowledge. This has perhaps contributed to some historical and now outdated tasks still being performed. The evidence for best practice when managing indwelling catheters is reflected in national and international guidelines, which have recently undergone a complete overhaul. This article explores common practices and best practice evidence to assist with safe and effective management of these essential but often risky devices.

27 January 2021

The maintenance of skin pH is essential if it is to provide a barrier to the outside world. This article examines how skin pH is maintained normally, what can disrupt it and the consequences of change. Finally, best practice guidance on restoring and maintaining a healthy skin pH and barrier function is provided.  
 

25 June 2021

Indwelling urinary catheters are still one of the most commonly used invasive devices in health care, with recognised significant risk factors, including catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CaUTI) and sepsis. Timely and successful removal of the catheter often falls to the responsibility of community nurses. There has been much debate about the optimum timing and circumstances for a successful trial without catheter (TWOC). This article looks at best practice guidelines and relevant clinical evidence to support healthcare professionals in making choices around TWOC procedures.

25 June 2021

Indwelling urinary catheters are still one of the most commonly used invasive devices in health care, with recognised significant risk factors, including catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CaUTI) and sepsis. Timely and successful removal of the catheter often falls to the responsibility of community nurses. There has been much debate about the optimum timing and circumstances for a successful trial without catheter (TWOC). This article looks at best practice guidelines and relevant clinical evidence to support healthcare professionals in making choices around TWOC procedures.