Development of catheter care guidelines for Guy's and St Thomas'

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Geriatrics
• Healthcare Guideline Development

Background:

• The necessity for current, evidence-based urethral catheter care guidelines was identified by a continence advisor.
• The author's role at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust highlighted practice gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the development and approval process of new urethral catheter care guidelines.
• To outline the objectives of the updated guidelines.
• To discuss areas of debate arising from the consultation period.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a guideline group.
• Development of evidence-based recommendations for urethral catheter care.
• Submission and navigation of the Trust's clinical governance committee approval process.
• Consultation with stakeholders.

Main Results:

• A new evidence-based guideline for urethral catheter care was developed.
• The process involved overcoming challenges within the clinical governance structure.
• Key areas of debate were identified and addressed post-consultation.

Conclusions:

• The successful development and approval of the guideline represent a significant step in improving patient care.
• The process highlights the complexities of implementing evidence-based practice in a clinical setting.
• The guideline aims to standardize and enhance urethral catheter management.