Adverse Effects Associated with Urethral Catheter Placement- Patient’s Perspective

Introduction: Although Indwelling Urinary Catheter (IUC) have an important role in the care of hospitalised patients, nevertheless it is associated with numerous issues that must be addressed on a daily basis. Due to its invasive nature, it is a cause of discomfort and/or pain and also a potential threat to patients safety. The various adverse effects of IUC are associated with higher risk of infection, longer hospital stay and negative impact on daily activities of the patients. Patients perspective is the best source of information for IUC related adverse effects. Aim: To estimate the incidence of all adverse effects (complications) associated with the IUC use and to reproduce patients perception about how their well-being and safety is affected by it. Materials and Methods: In this observational study, hospitalised patients with an IUC were identified and followed-up for 30 days after its insertion. Information regarding both infectious and non-infectious IUC related adverse effects (complications) was collected through patients interviews. Follow-up assessments were performed 15 days and 30 days after the catheter insertion. During this assessment patient’s perspectives about the IUC and its adverse effects were collected. All variables were categorical and percentage and proportions were calculated manually. Results: Total 390 patients were evaluated and analysed. Study comprised of 73.85% males and 26.15% females. The mean age was of 56.7±6.5 years. The IUCs was inserted before surgical procedures in 305 patients (78.2%) with 284 patients (72.82%) having them removed within five days of insertion. A total of 259 patients (66.4%) reported at least one complication because of the IUC. The non-infectious complications were 54.1% and infectious were 12.3%. Both infectious and noninfectious complications were described more commonly by patients who still had their IUC. Most common complications were feeling of urgency/bladder spasms (25.9%) in catheter removal group and pain/ discomfort (52.7%) in catheter in situ group. Conclusion: As per the patients perspective the non-infectious complications are also bothersome in addition to the infectious one and management programme should include both the component essentially.