Melanie De Jaeger1, Fiona Fox2, Geraldine Cooney3, Jacqueline Robinson4. 1. Specialist Nurse, Bladder & Bowel Service provided by Virgin Care, St Martins Hospital, Bath. 2. Senior Research Associate in Ethnography/Qualitative Social Science, National Institute for Health Research Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR CLAHRC West), University Hospital Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol. 3. Public Involvement Consultant, Bath Research and Development Institute, University of Bath. 4. Senior Sister, Urology Department, Royal United Hospitals of Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath.
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.
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.