A qualitative study exploring the value of a catheter passport

Abstract

Many patients leaving hospital with a catheter do not have sufficient information to self-care and can experience physical and psychological difficulties. Aim: This study aimed to explore how a patient-held catheter passport affects the experiences of patients leaving hospital with a urethral catheter, the hospital nurses who discharge them and the community nurses who provide ongoing care for them. Method: Qualitative methods used included interviews, focus groups and questionnaires, and thematic analysis. Findings: Three major themes were reported—informing patients, informing nurses; improving catheter care, promoting self-management; and supporting transition. Conclusion: The catheter passport can bridge the existing information gap, improve care, promote self-care and help patients adjust to their catheter, especially if complemented by ongoing input from a nurse or other health professional.

A prevalence survey of patients with indwelling urinary catheters on district nursing caseloads in the United Kingdom: The Community Urinary Catheter Management (CCaMa) Study

“…However, given that little is known about the effectiveness of catheter management plans or passports, evaluation studies are needed to measure their impact on rates of catheter use and removal. The evaluation study by De Jaeger and Robinson (2017) did not investigate whether improved information provision resulted in removal of catheters not indicated for long-term use.…”

“…Catheter management plans or ‘passports’ designed to improve communication at service interfaces about urinary catheter management are being promoted for use within the NHS in England (NHS Improvement, 2019). Despite being a suggested action to improve catheter management, only two reports on the use of a catheter passport have been published (Codd, 2014; De Jaeger et al, 2017). One of these (De Jaeger et al, 2017) included an evaluation of efficacy and found that a catheter passport improved information provision for patients and nurses and supported the transition from hospital to home.…”

“…Despite being a suggested action to improve catheter management, only two reports on the use of a catheter passport have been published (Codd, 2014; De Jaeger et al, 2017). One of these (De Jaeger et al, 2017) included an evaluation of efficacy and found that a catheter passport improved information provision for patients and nurses and supported the transition from hospital to home. However, it was not clear whether the passport influenced community nurses’ decision-making about catheter management or whether nurses had the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to ensure prompt removal of catheters when no longer needed.…”