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 This has perhaps contributed to some historical and now outdated tasks still being performed.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.

24 March 2020

Catheterisation has improved continence and reduced associated urinary tract problems. Intermittent catheterisation has been shown to be acceptable for all ages, including the elderly. The role of the nurse is important in teaching and supporting patients using clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC) to ensure confidence and adherence with the procedure. Some patients with indwelling catheters may experience poor body image and negative sexual self-esteem.

15 April 2026

Urinary catheter blockage is a common complication of long-term catheterisation that frequently affects outcomes and quality of life for catheter users. Having an indwelling catheter that is prone to blocking can be extremely distressing for the user and lead to additional complications of pain, retention, infection and potentially life-threatening urosepsis. Management of catheter blockage significantly impacts care provision by community-based nursing teams, resulting in the ‘frequent blockers’ requiring unplanned or out-of-hours care for catheter maintenance solutions, catheter changes or emergency hospital visits. 

KEY WORDS:
● Indwelling catheters ● Blockages ● Open-ended catheters ● Service development project

15 April 2026

Urinary catheter blockage is a common complication of long-term catheterisation that frequently affects outcomes and quality of life for catheter users. Having an indwelling catheter that is prone to blocking can be extremely distressing for the user and lead to additional complications of pain, retention, infection and potentially life-threatening urosepsis. Management of catheter blockage significantly impacts care provision by community-based nursing teams, resulting in the ‘frequent blockers’ requiring unplanned or out-of-hours care for catheter maintenance solutions, catheter changes or emergency hospital visits. 

KEY WORDS:
● Indwelling catheters ● Blockages ● Open-ended catheters ● Service development project