A study to Assess the Knowledge and Practice of Staff Nurses regarding Urinary Catheterization: A Quality Control Study

This study was conducted in the inpatient setting of Department of Medicine in GGS Medical College Hospital, Faridkot (Pb) in November 2013. A high percentage of indwelling catheters at discharge had been observed. Our study aimed to ascertain whether these catheters were being placed for appropriate indications. Catheter placement is performed by nurses in the ward, therefore their knowledge of guidelines regarding indications, procedure, and documentation for catheterization and its complications was deemed to be a vital factor in determining the incidence of long-term catheter placement. A questionnaire was administered to carry out a cross-sectional survey of normal practice and opinion regarding long-term catheter placement.

This study revealed that 89.6% of total catheterizations (short term and long term) over the two-week study period were performed with complete documentation and for appropriate indications as per the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines. Indication for catheterization was not documented in 10.4% of cases.