Effective evidence-based catheter management: an update

Every year over one million urinary catheters are inserted in NHS hospitals. Each of these has the potential to harm. Urinary catheters can lead to trauma and increase the risks of infection and bladder dysfunction. Urinary catheterization can have catastrophic effects on the bladder and a person's ability to regain continence in the future (Patel and Arya, 2001). Approximately 25% of urinary catheterizations are not clinically necessary. Certain groups of people, such as older people, are at a greater risk of unnecessary catheterization and its associated risks. This article explores the clinical indications for urinary catheterization, the importance of appropriate product selection, and acting to reduce the risk of infection.