Clinical audit on indications and technique of male urethral catheterization in emergency department of a tertiary care hospital

Urethral catheterization (UC) is a common procedure done in the Emergency Department of a hospital. The main indications for a UC are relieving acute urinary retention and bladder outlet obstruction. This cross-sectional audit was carried out between July 2019 to February 2020, in the Emergency Department (ED). All male patients aged 18 years and above, in whom UC was performed, were included in the audit. A total of 81 male patients were surveyed. Although, sterilized technique was maintained by using sterile gloves and pyodine but hand hygiene (sterilization or hand wash) was not performed before the procedure 80% of times. CDC hand hygiene guidelines were distributed to promote hand hygiene. What do we already know about this topic ? The Lippincott guidelines are considered gold standard which includes hand hygiene as an important element of urinary catheterization UC. The CDC Center of Disease Control CDC promotes the use of mandatory gloves and generous hand sanitizing before procedures. How does your research contribute to the field For continuous improvement and patient focused practice, we must audit the technique of nursing staff, doctors and health care assistants who are involved in insertion and ordering of catheters to provide quality health care and avoid unnecessary catheterization [1]. The aim of this study was to audit the appropriateness of usage of urinary catheters by the healthcare staff and, their technique of insertion and indications for urinary catheterization. What are your research's implications towards theory, practice, or policy? Hand hygiene is an important element of patient care. If done properly it can prevent several hospital-acquired infections. Heathcare facilities must audit their staff on regular basis and provide refreshers and promote the use of proper hand hygiene before urinary catheterization.