Nursing Practice Related to Intermittent Catheterization: A Cross-Sectional Survey

The purpose of this study was to describe nursing practice and clinical decision-making related to intermittent catheterization (IC).

Cross-sectional survey.

Three hundred forty-three nurses responded to the survey, yielding a margin of error of 5.3%. The majority (70%; n = 240) indicated they were RNs, and 15.6% stated they practiced as advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists). Most (75.9%; n = 260) held at least one certification in rehabilitation, WOC, or urologic nursing. Most nurses (70.5%; n = 242) indicated 11 or more years of experience in their specialty practice.

Data were collected via an electronic questionnaire that comprised 50 items and required 35 to 40 minutes to complete. Ten items queried demographic data and professional background, 13 queried facility policies and practice patterns related to use of IC, and 27 focused on various aspects of decision making regarding IC practice including 8 items related to catheter selection in 4 case scenarios. The questionnaire was completed online after viewing a written explanation of the purpose of the survey. Completion of the questionnaire acted as consent to study participation.

All respondents indicated regularly teaching IC within their practice, and 61.2% (n = 210) stated they were confident that 70% or more of patients or caregivers understood the instructions. However, responses varied considerably when asked who they involved in IC education; less than half (48.1%; n = 165) responded that they included a lay caregiver or family member when teaching a patient to perform IC. Responses also varied when asked about who was included in this education; when asked about catheter selection in 4 clinical scenarios, 9.0% to 20.9% selected inappropriate catheters. Similarly, responses varied when they were asked about use of resources to guide IC practice; 25.4% (n = 87) indicated they relied on their own best practice.

Findings from 343 nurses experienced in IC teaching showed considerable variability when asked about sources used to guide IC practice, who should be included in IC education, and catheter selection in 4 case scenarios. Additional research and evidence, and consensus-based resources such as clinical guidelines of a decision-making algorithm, are needed.