More than 90 000 of the UK adult population are estimated to have a urinary catheter, with 24% likely to develop symptoms of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). The consequences of having a CAUTI are reduced quality of life, risk of hospitalisation and increased mortality. The authors undertook a literature review of primary research studies to identify how nurses could support patients to maintain effective catheter care to reduce the risk of CAUTI. Four themes emerged: education, knowledge, empowerment and communication. The authors therefore conclude that consistent knowledge, clear communication and treating patients as partners in the decision-making process can help build trust and allow empower patients. This will enable patients to make safe and healthy decisions about their catheter, particularly with regard to personal hygiene and optimal fluid intake, to reducing the risk of CAUTI.
Waskiewicz, AnnaAlexis, Obrey Cross, Deborah
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences\Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery\Department of Nursing
Year of publication: 2019Date of RADAR deposit: 2019-06-03
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in British Journal of Nursing, copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2019.28.9.S4