Catheter care: managing indwelling urinary catheters in adults 

This course explores the indications for inserting and removing an indwelling urinary catheter, and the care required to minimise the risk of catheter-associated complications. Through realistic clinical scenarios and practical guidance, it supports health professionals to make informed decisions about catheter use, deliver safe catheter care, and understand the key principles of infection prevention and patient safety.

  • 2 hours

    Estimated learning time

  • Case studies

    Practice-based scenarios

  • Certificate

    Awarded on completion

  • Pre & post questions

    Track your learning

Learning objectives


After studying this course you should be able to:

  • List the indications for inserting and removing an indwelling urinary catheter 
  • Identify the care required to reduce the risk of catheter-acquired urinary tract infection 
  • List the potential complications associated with indwelling urinary catheters 
  • Describe the information that should be recorded about catheters in patients’ notes 
  • Identify the needs of patients with indwelling catheters to achieve maximum independence and maintain dignity 
  • Explain the possible impact of catheters on patients’ quality of life 
The discussion areas within each course provide an opportunity to reflect on the content, share experiences from practice, and learn from other health professionals. Taking part in discussions can help support participatory learning as part of your CPD activity.

Course author

Debbie Yarde, senior specialist nurse and team leader, bladder and bowel care, North Devon NHS Healthcare Trust, and recent chair of the Association for Continence Advice. Updated by Patricia McDermott, consultant clinical nurse specialist — urology for Guernsey Health and Social Care, past chair of the Association of Continence Advice and member of the British Association of Urology Nurses.

This course was created in association with the Association for Continence Advice.

All Nursing Times courses are written by expert nurses and double-blind peer reviewed.

Ⓒemap. All rights reserved.

Last updated 2022
Disclaimer
Healthcare knowledge is constantly changing and we have taken reasonable care to ensure that the content included in this is accurate and up to date at the time it was created. Nursing Times courses are provided for general reference and learning purposes only: they cannot of course take account of individual circumstances and should not therefore be relied upon on their own in connection with administering medicines or providing treatment. We strongly advise users to confirm that the information provided, especially with regard to drug usage, complies with all current legislation and standards of practice. By proceeding to access this course you confirm your acceptance of, and agreement to, these terms.