Infection risks associated with urinary catheters
Lauren Tew Infection control clinical consultant, Bard Ltd
Ian Pomfret District continence adviser, Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Trust, Lancashire
Debbie King Lead nurse, Infection prevention and control, Solihull PCT, West Midlands
Urinary catheterisation can kill. It is one of the most common healthcare interventions but carries the risk of ‘significant danger’ to patients from infection (Pratt et al 2 001). While essential for some patients, this invasive procedure is sometimes unjustified and even forgotten once in place (Saint et al 2005). Accountability for the safe management of urinary catheters by using evidence-based guidelines is emphasised. New ways of examining practice and planning for improvement (Department of Health 2005), and new technology (Tambyah 2004) will contribute to better outcomes for those patients for whom the procedure is essential.
Nursing Standard.
20, 7, 55-62.
doi: 10.7748/ns.20.7.55.s52
Want to read more?
Already have access? Log in
or
3-month trial offer for £5.25/month
Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
- Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
- RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
- NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
- Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
- A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe
Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days.
Buy now
Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more