Randomized study of the effect of midnight removal of urinary catheters.

This study shows that removal of urinary catheters at midnight has several advantages over removal at 6 AM. The midnight group had a significantly greater initial voided volume and a longer time to first void than the equivalent 6 AM group. Advantages to midnight catheter removal also exist for nursing staff. Midnight tends to be less busy on the nursing unit compared with 6 AM, thus making it a preferable time for performance of routine tasks. Catheter removal at midnight also allows for convenient observation of patient voiding and assessment earlier in the day. This means that any necessary intervention can take place during working hours when more staff are on duty. There is also the potential for earlier discharge, with economic benefits related to shorter bed stay and more efficient discharge planning. We believe midnight catheter removal offers considerable benefits over the traditional 6 AM time on both general and urology units.