Knowledge and beliefs of intensive care nurses about urinary catheter securement: Results of a national survey

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the knowledge and beliefs of intensive care nurses about urinary catheter securement. Method and settingA self-report survey tool comprising 19 questions (15 closed, 4 open-ended) was developed through consultation with a panel of experts and then disseminated electronically to nurse members of two societies for critical care medicine and nursing in Spain. Responses were analysed by calculating descriptive statistics and through qualitative analysis. Main outcome measuresNurses' self-reported knowledge and beliefs about urinary catheter securement in the intensive care patient. ResultsResponses of 333 nurses were analysed. Most respondents considered that urinary catheter securement was beneficial for patients (n = 261, 78.4 %) and that it reduced the risk of both meatal pressure injury (n = 266, 79.9 %) and accidental tugging (n = 304, 91.3 %). Regarding the securement procedure, less than a quarter of nurses mentioned the use of barrier film to protect the skin at the securement site (n = 62, 18.6 %) or the need to leave slack in the tube to avoid tugging (n = 45, 13.5 %). Qualitative analysis of responses to open-ended questions revealed that some nurses believed that catheter securement was contraindicated due to the risk of skin injury, or that it interfered with some aspects of basic care, thus increasing their workload. ConclusionsThere appears to be a lack of knowledge among Spanish intensive care nurses about recommended procedures for securing a urinary catheter. Clear and concise guidelines for the intensive care setting are required to ensure safe and standardised practice without creating additional burden for nurses. Implications for Clinical PracticeLack of knowledge among intensive care nurses about how to secure urinary catheters may pose certain risks to patients, therefore specific training in how to secure a urinary catheter is needed.