Knowledge and self-confidence of healthcare workers to perform transurethral catheterization: a matter deserving attention!

Abstract

Background: Patients may suffer from the sequela of complicated transurethral catheterization (TUC) such as urethral injury, infection, and stricture formation. We assessed the self-confidence, knowledge, and experience of healthcare professionals performing TUC. Methods: A multi-center, prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed among healthcare workers from 5 university hospitals. Data was transferred to an online Data Management System and self-confidence, knowledge, and experience levels among different healthcare roles were compared. Findings: Of all 747 participants, 8% did not feel confident, had enough knowledge or preparation skills regarding TUC. 23% never asked for help while performing TUC whereas 42% always asked for assistance (p < 0.0001). Healthcare roles did not differ statistically in terms of TUC knowledge and understanding. However, healthcare workers in surgical specialties felt more confident in their knowledge (29% vs 21%). Confidence in male catheterization skills rated as ‘well’ and ‘very well’ were reported highest by paramedics (71%, 20%) followed by nurses (48%, 20%), physicians (53%, 30%) and residents (50%, 36%). In the event of difficult catheterizations, physicians mostly preferred the assistance of “urologists and urology residents” (64%) while nurses mostly reached out to other nurses (39%). Paramedics were the least likely to ask for assistance (40%) followed by nurses (26%), doctors (24%), and residents (13%) (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: A significant proportion of healthcare workers do not have the necessary knowledge and understanding of TUC and do not feel confident in their catheterization and preparation skills when challenged by a difficult TUC, which requires the reassessment of the training programs pre- and post-graduation. This will facilitate and create a safer environment for both the patient and the healthcare professionals. Trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05334225