Implementation of a Standardized Process of Coude Catheter Insertion Decreases Traumatic Catheterizations

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Nursing
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Traumatic Foley catheterization causes patient morbidity and increases healthcare expenses.
• Standardizing coude catheter use for male patients is crucial for preventing iatrogenic injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To decrease traumatic Foley catheterizations in male patients.
• To implement a coude catheter education program for operating room nurses.
• To standardize coude catheter usage for male patients undergoing catheterization.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review identified traumatic catheterizations over six months.
• A nursing education program covered anatomy, coude catheter techniques, and safety.
• The program was trialed for two months and then implemented for all male patients over 18.

Main Results:

• The initial traumatic catheterization rate was 3% (18 of 601), costing $27,793.
• After implementation, the traumatic catheterization rate dropped to 0.2% (4 of 2038) over 12 months.
• The average cost per traumatic catheterization was $1544.

Conclusions:

• A nursing education program and coude catheter utilization reduce healthcare costs.
• This approach decreases iatrogenic urethral injury.
• Improved patient safety is achieved through standardized coude catheter use.