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 This has perhaps contributed to some historical and now outdated tasks still being performed.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.
Nurses working in the community may have insufficient time to access, interpret and apply research, and, therefore, need information to be presented in a format that is easily accessible. As community nurses rise to the challenges outlined in recent health policy, it is increasingly important that they maximise their potential to deliver evidence-based practice. This article looks at a survey that aimed to identify factors influencing evidence-based practice among community nurses. The findings indicate that in order to make progress it is important to adopt a multifaceted approach, taking into account the real world in which nurses currently practice. While it is important to develop nurses’ skills in accessing and reviewing research information, constraints on time mean that it will be difficult to achieve a nursing workforce where all nurses are active in reviewing research evidence.
Kate Gerrish, Professor of Nursing Research, University of Sheffield/Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, School of Nursing and Midwifery
Jo Cooke, Programme Manager NIHR Collaborations and Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care for South Yorkshire (CLAHRC SY), Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Peter Zeh discusses the virtues of clinical governance as a way forward for health care provision.
Peter Zeh BSc Nursing Studies, RGN, Part-time Masters student in Applied Health Studies, University of Warwick is a critical care staff nurse, University Hospitals, Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust.
Article accepted for publication September 2001.
Diane McNicoll discusses the management of encrusted urinary catheters and describes a randomised controlled trial of two methods of catheter maintenance.
Diane McNicoll MSc, RGN, DN is a Continence Advisor, Trafford North PCT, Manchester.
Article accepted for publication: August 2003
