The quality of hospital records of urethral catheterisation.

BACKGROUND

This prospective and retrospective study carried out over a period of one month (50 patients) looked at the quality of hospital records of urethral catheterisation with reference to the hospital protocol. The patients were catheterised on general surgical wards as well as in theatre.

RESULTS

The quality of hospital records of this procedure was poor and a number of complications noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Good documentation of urethral catheterisation would result in a better quality of audit and, therefore, identify potential ways of minimising complications. We recommend this by regular audit of hospital records, re-inforcement of protocols and informed consent of this procedure, with particular reference to theatre.