09 December 2024
Health care should aim to heal rather than harm. Sometimes traditional or routine practices which are not evidence-based can affect a person’s health and wellbeing. They may experience minor issues such as the adverse effects of a medicine, major issues such as developing Clostridium difficile, or even death as a result of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). NHS hospital staff insert around two million urinary catheters each year (Shackley et al, 2017; NHS Digital, 2023). In some cases, antibiotic prophylaxis is given on insertion or removal of the catheter (Scarlato et al, 2017; Morris et al, 2023). Inappropriate urinary catheterisation and misuse of antibiotics expose individuals to a number of risks and increase the risk of antibiotic resistance. This paper examines the evidence base for antibiotic prophylaxis upon insertion and removal of urinary catheters. The author argues that a more holistic approach to care which reduces the routine use of indwelling catheters is required.
