A short guide to catheter treatment
In catheter treatment, patient safety comes first. It’s crucial to only use a catheter when absolutely necessary and to remove it as soon as the patient no longer requires it. Once catheterization is established, the focus shifts to ensuring the highest standard of care—this includes aseptic catheterization and carefully avoiding any traumatic events. Additionally, selecting the right catheter tailored to each patient’s specific needs is essential for preventing complications.
Learn more about how to choose the right catheter, different treatment types, and best practices for patient care to ensure optimal outcomes.
Which catheter to choose
Latex and silicone are the most used catheter materials. The most important thing is to choose the right material for each individual patient.
Catheter treatment types
Indwelling catheter can be used in two different ways, either through urethra or by suprapubic catheterization. Alternatively intermittent catheterization can be performed.
How to catheterize?
It is imperative that the health care professional has a good understanding of aseptic catheterization procedure principles as this will help to reduce the risk of UTI.
Documentation
Patients treated with a urinary catheter can move through different healthcare facilities, during the treatment period. The catheter treatment must therefore be carefully documented in the medical record.
Patient care (catheter care)
It is important to inform the patient and relatives about simple tips that can prevent complications; for example about hygiene and fluid intake
Common complications
The risk for invasion of microbes and subsequent infections increases with every day of infection.
Global challenge of hospital-acquired infections and anti-microbial resistance
Dr Stefan Grass, former Chief Medical Officer, Bactiguard
