A qualitative study exploring the value of a catheter passport.

UNLABELLED: Many patients leaving hospital with a catheter do not have sufficient information to self-care and can experience physical and psychological difficulties.

AIM: This study aimed to explore how a patient-held catheter passport affects the experiences of patients leaving hospital with a urethral catheter, the hospital nurses who discharge them and the community nurses who provide ongoing care for them.

METHOD: Qualitative methods used included interviews, focus groups and questionnaires, and thematic analysis.

FINDINGS: Three major themes were reported-informing patients, informing nurses; improving catheter care, promoting self-management; and supporting transition.

CONCLUSION

The catheter passport can bridge the existing information gap, improve care, promote self-care and help patients adjust to their catheter, especially if complemented by ongoing input from a nurse or other health professional.