Proposal to decrease incidence, morbidity, and associated healthcare costs regarding difficult and traumatic urethral...

Difficult and traumatic urethral catheterization is a common reason for urologic consult. Catheter insertion and management is common for patients who are managed in the hospital setting.

A four-question survey was distributed across three hospitals at a single-institution.

A total of 41 nursing staff responses were recorded. Forty-four percent of the nursing staff reported prior participation in a traumatic catheter insertion. Ninety percent of total responders reported a prior involvement with a difficulty catheter.

Patient morbidity and healthcare costs regarding traumatic and difficult catheterization is significant. Utility of protocols and education could potentially reduce these burdens and enhance patient care.