The Challenge to Improve Patient Education for Newly Inserted Urinary Catheters on Discharge from the Emergency Department

ABSTRACT

Aim: To improve education in patients with new urinary catheters on discharge from the Emergency Department (ED), decreasing the incidence and healthcare burden of subsequent catheter-associated complications. Method: Qualitative study design was employed to survey all Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) working in the ED and establish the quality and means of information currently provided. A novel trust-endorsed proforma with information leaflet was created with urology team input and uploaded to the ED website. Staff were updated via email, WhatsApp and verbally and re-surveyed after 6 months. Survey responses were evaluated with descriptive statistical analysis. Results: The majority of HCPs in the department reported nearly always/ often providing information verbally to patients, with similar findings on re-surveying. The most commonly discussed topic with patients remained Common complications and where to seek advice. HCPs reported never/rarely offering written information (75%, 74% before and after respectively) and nearly all HCPs surveyed did not know where to find patient information resources (81%, 79% respectively). Conclusions: Written information provision remained poor despite creation of a proforma with information leaflet. A high departmental turnover of HCPs, alongside varying seasonal Covid burden may have reduced the efficacy of interventions. The findings may also be as a result of HCPs still not knowing where to locate such resources. 'Nudge theory' through placing leaflets next to catheter supplies, combined with improved education of new staff rotating through the department at individual inductions and the introduction of checklists are changes that have been since actioned and due to be re-surveyed in February 2022.