Clinical Report: Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge and Confidence in Transurethral Catheterization
Overview
A multicenter cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge and self-confidence of 747 healthcare workers in performing transurethral catheterization (TUC). Results showed that experience and surgical specialty were significantly associated with higher knowledge and confidence, while gender and medical profession were not. The study highlights the need for structured training protocols to improve procedural skills and reduce complications.
Background
Transurethral catheterization (TUC) is a common medical procedure used to drain the bladder, monitor urinary output, and diagnose urinary problems. Despite its low complexity, difficult catheterizations can cause urethral injuries leading to significant morbidity and increased healthcare costs. Males are more prone to catheter-related injuries due to anatomical differences. There is limited data on healthcare workers' knowledge and confidence in performing TUC, emphasizing the importance of structured training beyond traditional 'see one, do one, teach one' methods.
Data Highlights
Characteristic
Number (N=747)
Percentage (%)
Gender - Male
265
35.5
Median Age (Range)
27 (18–68)
-
Profession
Physicians
184
24.6
Nurses
430
57.6
Paramedics
55
7.4
Residents-in-training
78
10.4
Department
Surgical specialties
547
73.2
Non-surgical specialties
188
25.2
Years of experience
0–2 years
255
34.1
3–5 years
153
20.5
6+ years
339
45.4
Key Findings
Knowledge and confidence in performing TUC were not significantly different by gender or medical profession.
Longer years of professional experience were strongly associated with higher knowledge and confidence levels (p < 0.0001).
Healthcare workers in surgical departments reported significantly higher understanding and confidence in TUC (p = 0.0008).
Overall, 88.3% response rate was achieved among 846 eligible healthcare workers across five university hospitals.
Structured training protocols are needed to improve procedural skills and reduce complications associated with difficult catheterizations.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should recognize that experience and surgical specialty influence confidence and knowledge in TUC performance. Implementing structured training programs can enhance procedural competence, potentially reducing urethral injuries and associated morbidity. Regular assessment of healthcare workers' skills and confidence may guide targeted educational interventions.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that experience and surgical department affiliation are key factors influencing healthcare professionals' knowledge and confidence in transurethral catheterization. Structured training initiatives are essential to improve procedural outcomes and patient safety.
References
Cohen et al. 2020 -- Medical Students' Confidence in Procedural Skills
by Gokhan Calik, Zeynep Bahadır, Berk Madendere, Ozgur Arikan, Vahit Guzelburc, Engin Evci, Suleyman Sami Cakir, Bulent Altay, Pilar Laguna, Mehmet Kocak, Selami Albayrak, Rahim Horuz, Kubilay Sabuncu, Mustafa Boz, Bulent Erkurt, Mohamad Aosama Alrifaai, Abdullah Al Chaabawi, Mahmoud Alrais, Ibrahim Abdi Ali, Shaban M. S. Ashour, Jean de la Rosette
