Knowledge of female bladder care among medical staff, nurses and midwives: results of a questionnaire survey

OBJECTIVE To determine knowledge about bladder care among junior medical staff and allied health professionals, and to examine any difference in knowledge among the subgroups. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Using a single‐questionnaire survey in a large obstetrics and gynaecology Hospital Trust in an inner city setting, midwives, nurses and medical staff (not consultants) were asked eight questions about different aspects of female bladder physiology and care. The differences in responses among the professional groups were assessed. RESULTS In all, 120 completed questionnaires were returned (32 doctors, 40 nurses, and 48 midwives). Knowledge was similar on urethral length, bladder capacity, daily fluid intake, ideal size of catheter, catheter balloon size, and the maximum time of use of a short‐term catheter. Correct responses for normal daily fluid intake, duration of both short and long‐term catheterization were given by fewer than half the respondents. There were significant differences among the professional groups in the correct response rate for long‐term catheter duration (P = 0.031) and the normal time interval between voids (P = 0.038). CONCLUSION There were significant differences in the knowledge of all subgroups about bladder care, and poor levels of knowledge in several areas. This is a potentially serious problem for women at risk of bladder complications after gynaecological surgery and childbirth. All staff involved in managing women after childbirth and gynaecological surgery should have formal training in bladder care, to optimize patient care.