Long-term indwelling urinary catheter care: conceptualizing the research base

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nursing Science
• Medical Device Management

Background:

• Traditional public health models (agent, host, environment) offer a framework for analyzing long-term indwelling urinary catheter care.
• Literature review identifies a research focus on catheter encrustations, leakage, blockage, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) over the past decade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify major research areas and knowledge gaps in long-term indwelling urinary catheter care.
• To explore under-studied aspects of catheter management, including patient perspectives and environmental factors.

Main Methods:

• A broad literature review was conducted on urinary catheter care.
• Research areas were identified, and knowledge gaps were highlighted.
• Two tables summarize research on catheter sediment/encrustation and irrigation.

Main Results:

• Most research has concentrated on the mechanisms of catheter encrustation and its contribution to catheter dysfunction and UTIs.
• Significant knowledge gaps exist in areas such as the patient's perspective, drainage bag care, and the role of fluid intake.
• Under-studied environmental factors include asepsis and hydrokinetic forces, crucial for nursing interventions.

Conclusions:

• Conceptualizing the nursing role in long-term urinary catheter care is essential.
• Further research into patient-centered and environmental aspects is needed.
• Development of testable nursing theories can improve management strategies for individuals with indwelling urinary catheters.