Course Overview

Urinary catheterisation is one of the most common procedures healthcare professionals perform in acute settings. Despite its prevalence, the nature of catheterisation can present serious risks to patients, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) if performed poorly or incorrectly.

This Ausmed Course educates learners on best practices for catheter management aimed at improving outcomes for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Topics

• Understanding types and indications of urinary catheterisation
• Catheter device features
• Device and care management principles
• Preventing and troubleshooting complications
• Providing patient education

Need

Urinary tract infections were the second-most common hospital-acquired complication across all Australian hospitals between 2021-22, and accounted for approximately 25% of all healthcare-associated infections overall.

Of these hospital-acquired urinary tract infections, it is estimated that catheter-acquired urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) make up anywhere between 70–80%. In spite of these high prevalence rates, up to 70% of CAUTIs are deemed preventable.

Therefore, proper management and assessment of catheter use is vital in preventing CAUTIs and other complications, which can be highly distressing for patients, prolong hospital stays, and add substantial healthcare costs to the system.

Studies show that healthcare professionals responsible for overseeing urinary catheter devices play a crucial role in preventing and minimising associated complications. Effective education addressing best-practice catheter management will improve outcomes through enhanced knowledge and improved confidence.

Purpose

To equip healthcare professionals in acute settings with the necessary knowledge to effectively assess and manage the care of patients needing urinary catheters, according to best-practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an accurate understanding of when different types of urinary catheters are appropriately and inappropriately indicated for a patient.
• Identify and assess the function of various urinary catheter features.
• Apply an understanding of best-practice urinary catheter management to patients in your care.
• Promptly identify and address common urinary catheter-related complications.
• Confidently educate patients in your care about their role in maintaining and caring for their urinary catheter.

Target Audience

Registered nurses, enrolled nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with indwelling urinary catheters looking to increase their knowledge of best-practice management.

Disclosure

No conflict of interest exists for anyone in the position to control content for this activity. Wherever possible, generic or non-proprietary names of medications or products have been used.

Educators

Presented by

Sarah Lorger View profile

Sarah Lorger is a Doctor specialising in both General Surgery and Urology at a major hospital in NSW. Currently working as an unaccredited Urology Registrar, her goal is to undertake formal urology training in the next couple of years. Sarah holds a Doctor of Medicine, a Master of Surgery (in Surgical Skills), a Master of International Health Management, and an undergraduate degree in Health Science (Hearing and Speech), which she achieved prior to pursuing her career in medicine.

Peer reviewed by

Sarah Johnston View profile