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Catheter Care

1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this Catheter Care Policy is to ensure that all service users receiving domiciliary care involving urinary or suprapubic catheters are provided with safe, effective, and dignified care. This policy establishes clear guidelines for staff to follow when assisting service users with catheter management, including insertion, maintenance, monitoring, and infection prevention.

This policy applies to all employees, including care workers, supervisors, and managers, involved in providing support to service users with catheters. It covers all aspects of catheter care, from initial assessment to ongoing management and emergency procedures.

2. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to:

• Delivering high-quality, person-centred catheter care that promotes dignity and comfort.
• Minimising the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
• Providing comprehensive staff training and competency assessments.
• Ensuring clear communication between service users, healthcare professionals, and carers.
• Promoting independence and empowering service users to participate in their own care whenever possible.

We believe that effective catheter care enhances the quality of life for service users while maintaining their safety and well-being.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legislation and guidelines:

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
• NICE Guidelines on Urinary Catheterisation
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Standards
• CQC Fundamental Standards
• Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Catheter Care Guidance

4. Types of Catheters

Our company supports service users with different types of catheters, including:

• Indwelling Urethral Catheters: Inserted through the urethra into the bladder and held in place by an inflated balloon.
• Suprapubic Catheters: Surgically inserted through the abdomen directly into the bladder.
• Intermittent Catheters: Used for short-term bladder emptying and removed after use.

Each type requires specific care procedures, which are outlined in individualised care plans.

5. Initial Assessment and Care Planning

Before initiating catheter care, a comprehensive assessment is conducted in collaboration with healthcare professionals. This includes:

• Identifying the type and purpose of the catheter.
• Assessing the service user’s health status, mobility, and personal preferences.
• Reviewing previous catheter-related complications, if any.
• Evaluating the home environment for safe catheter management.

A personalised Catheter Care Plan is developed for each service user, detailing:

• Catheter type, size, and insertion date.
• Daily care routines and hygiene practices.
• Fluid intake and output monitoring.
• Signs of infection or complications to watch for.
• Emergency procedures for catheter blockage or displacement.

6. Safe Catheter Insertion and Replacement

While catheter insertion is typically performed by healthcare professionals, our domiciliary care staff support post-insertion care. Staff ensure that:

• Catheterisation is only performed with a valid prescription or clinical instruction.
• Sterile techniques are used to prevent infection.
• Service users are informed and consent is obtained.
• Catheter changes follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.

7. Daily Catheter Care

Effective daily catheter care prevents infections and ensures comfort. Staff follow these procedures:

• Hand Hygiene: Washing hands before and after catheter care.
• Cleaning: Daily cleaning of the catheter site with warm water and mild soap.
• Drainage Bag Management:
  • Keeping the bag below bladder level to prevent backflow.
  • Emptying the bag when two-thirds full, using clean, disposable gloves.
  • Changing the drainage bag according to the care plan.
• Monitoring: Regular checks for leaks, blockages, or discolouration of urine.
• Hydration: Encouraging adequate fluid intake to promote healthy urine flow.

8. Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs)

Infection prevention is a priority in catheter care. To reduce the risk of CAUTIs, we implement the following measures:

• Adhering to aseptic techniques during catheter care.
• Avoiding unnecessary catheterisation.
• Promoting early removal of catheters when clinically appropriate.
• Educating service users and families on hygiene practices.
• Regularly reviewing catheter use with healthcare professionals.

9. Monitoring and Observation

Continuous monitoring ensures early detection of complications. Staff are trained to observe and report:

• Changes in urine colour, consistency, or odour.
• Signs of infection, such as fever, pain, or cloudy urine.
• Catheter leakage, blockage, or displacement.
• Skin irritation around the catheter site.

All observations are documented in the service user’s care plan and reported to the care coordinator and healthcare provider.

10. Emergency Procedures

In the event of catheter-related complications, staff follow emergency protocols, including:

• Blockage: Encouraging fluid intake, checking tubing for kinks, and notifying healthcare providers if unresolved.
• Displacement: Ensuring the catheter is not reinserted by care staff and contacting healthcare professionals immediately.
• Infection: Reporting symptoms to the GP and ensuring the service user receives appropriate medical attention.

All incidents are documented and reviewed to improve future care delivery.

11. Promoting Independence and Dignity

We empower service users to participate in their catheter care whenever possible by:

• Providing education on self-care techniques.
• Encouraging independent management of drainage bags.
• Respecting privacy during catheter care.
• Supporting service users to express preferences regarding care routines.

12. Staff Training and Competency

All staff involved in catheter care receive comprehensive training, including:

• Understanding catheter types and their uses.
• Infection prevention and control procedures.
• Proper catheter and drainage bag handling.
• Recognising and responding to complications.

Competency assessments are conducted during induction and annually to ensure staff maintain high standards of care.

13. Documentation and Record-Keeping

Accurate documentation supports safe and effective catheter care. Staff maintain records of:

• Catheter insertion and changes.
• Daily observations and care activities.
• Fluid intake and output monitoring.
• Any complications, interventions, or referrals.

Care records are stored securely in accordance with GDPR requirements.

14. Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication ensures coordinated catheter care. Staff maintain regular contact with:

• Service users and their families.
• GPs, district nurses, and other healthcare providers.
• Care coordinators and supervisors.

All changes in catheter management are documented and shared appropriately.

15. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

We ensure high standards of catheter care through:

• Regular audits of care records and infection rates.
• Service user feedback and satisfaction surveys.
• Staff training and competency reviews.
• Incident analysis to identify areas for improvement.

Findings are used to update policies, procedures, and staff training.

16. Complaints and Incident Management

Service users and families are encouraged to raise concerns about catheter care. Our complaints procedure includes:

1. Recording the complaint.
2. Investigating and identifying root causes.
3. Implementing corrective actions.
4. Communicating outcomes to the complainant.

All incidents are documented and reviewed for continuous improvement.

17. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there are legislative changes, new best practices, or findings from audits and incidents. Updates are communicated to staff, and additional training is provided if required.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
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