Attitudes among junior doctors towards improving the transurethral catheterisation process.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Education
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Transurethral catheterisation (TUC) is a common procedure with potential for iatrogenic urethral trauma.
• Adequacy of training and confidence levels among junior doctors performing TUC require evaluation.
• Interest in safety mechanisms to prevent trauma during TUC warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess junior doctors' perceptions of their TUC training and confidence.
• To determine junior doctors' interest in a safety mechanism for TUC.
• To investigate the incidence of urethral trauma during TUC.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous online survey was distributed to interns.
• The survey focused on transurethral catheterisation (TUC) of male patients.
• Data collected included confidence, training adequacy, trauma incidence, and interest in safety features.

Main Results:

• 99% of interns felt confident performing TUC independently.
• 73% reported receiving appropriate training for male catheterisation.
• 3% experienced trauma from balloon inflation in the urethra; 90% desired a safety mechanism.

Conclusions:

• Iatrogenic urethral trauma from TUC persists despite training.
• A significant majority of junior doctors support a compulsory safety mechanism.
• Developing safer transurethral catheters is recommended to prevent patient trauma.