1.1 Summarise the current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice related to caring for individuals with urethral catheters
Currently, in the UK, the legislation and guidelines related to caring for individuals with urethral catheters are outlined in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the management of urinary catheters in adults, as well as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct. The NICE guidelines provide recommendations for the insertion, maintenance, and removal of urethral catheters, while the NMC Code of Conduct emphasises the importance of providing care that is individualised, compassionate, and respectful.
Additionally, there are various policies and protocols in place within health and social care settings that relate to the care of individuals with urethral catheters. These include policies from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on the prevention of CAUTIs, infection control measures from the National Health Service (NHS), and protocols for the management of catheter-associated complications from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
Good practice in the care of individuals with urethral catheters involves a range of measures, including ensuring that the catheter is inserted and maintained according to the NICE and NMC guidelines, regularly checking the catheter and the surrounding area for signs of infection or irritation, and providing appropriate education and support to the individual and their caregivers on how to care for the catheter. Additionally, it is important to involve the individual in the decision-making process regarding the use of a urethral catheter and to regularly assess the need for continued catheter use, in line with the principles of person-centred care outlined in the NMC Code of Conduct.
The current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols, and good practices related to caring for individuals with urethral catheters aim to provide high-quality care that is safe, effective, and in line with the standards set by the relevant professional bodies.
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2 Explain own responsibilities and accountability in relation to current legislation, national guidelines, organisational policies and protocols which affect work practice when carrying out care activities for individuals with urethral catheters
- 2.1 Describe the anatomy and physiology of the lower urinary tract of:
a. Male
b. Female - 2.2 Describe lower urinary tract functions and continence status
- 2.3 Describe the causative factors which determine the need for urethral urinary catheters
- 2.4 Explain the effects of urethral catheterisation on an individual’s comfort and dignity
- 3.1 Describe catheter care equipment that can be used to meet individuals’ specific needs
- 3.2 Describe the types of catheter care advice to give to individuals
- 3.3 Describe when to undertake urinalysis, obtain a catheter specimen of urine (CSU) or screen for multi-Resistant bacteria
- 3.4 Describe the indications, mode of action, risks, side-Effects, cautions, contra-Indications and potential interactions of urethral catheter care
- 3.5 Describe the medication, antibiotics, anaesthetic agents and associated solutions used for individuals with urethral catheters