Undertake care for individuals with urinary catheters

This standard covers undertaking care of individuals' with urinary catheters.  It is applicable in any care setting where an individual has a urinary catheter in position.  This standard involves emptying catheter bags, providing catheter hygiene and removing urinary catheters, as and when directed by a competent practitioner.

This standard does not cover insertion of urinary catheters.

All of these activities must be undertaken using an aseptic technique and following relevant guidelines and procedures.

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
7. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
8. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
9. confirm all equipment and materials for urethral catheter activity is appropriate to the procedure and fit for purpose

10. ensure the individual is positioned in a way that will:

    • ensure their safety and comfort
    • facilitate urinary catheter hygiene
    • facilitate removal of the urinary catheter
      

11. carry out the urethral catheter activity:

    • at an appropriate time according to the individual's plan of care
    • using appropriate techniques
    • using equipment in line with manufacturer's instructions
    • in a manner which optimises the individual's comfort and dignity and minimises pain and trauma
      

12. observe the individual throughout the activity, recognise and report any condition or behaviour which may signify adverse reactions to the activity and take the appropriate action

13. ensure the urinary catheter and drainage system are:

    • functioning correctly
    • securely attached
    • securely positioned in a way that prevent discomfort and promotes dignity of the individual
      

14. ensure the individual is made comfortable following urethral catheter activity and dispose of waste according to organisational procedures

15. empty drainage bags in accordance with procedures
16. measure and record urinary output whenever necessary at agreed intervals, or as directed
17. observe urinary output for any change in appearance and promptly inform the appropriate member of the care team
18. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. why individuals should be supported and informed about the nature of the urinary catheter activity
13. the concerns and worries which individuals may have in relation to urinary catheterisation
14. the contra-indications which suggest that you need to stop and seek help and advice and how these may differ for different individuals, conditions and those from different ethnic groups
15. the adverse effects which may occur during and following procedures and how to identify and deal with these
16. the effects of having a urinary catheter in position on the individual's comfort and dignity, and ways of minimising any adverse effects
17. the anatomy and physiology of the bladder and urethra related to urinary catheter activities
18. the normal appearance and content of urine
19. potential abnormal appearance and content of urine depending on the individual's presenting medical condition
20. how aseptic technique contributes to the control of infection
21. the potential sources of contamination when undertaking urinary catheter activity and appropriate measures to reduce or deal with them
22. the types of pathogens specific to the urinary system
23. the potential consequences of contamination of urinary catheters and drainage systems
24. the equipment and materials required for urinary catheter activity 
25. why resources should be prepared before you start the activity
26. the importance of maintaining the correct level of cleanliness for urinary catheter
27. the importance of following procedures for urinary catheter activity exactly as specified, and the potential effects of not doing so
28. the importance of packing up used equipment and materials  and covering receptacles containing urine prior to leaving the immediate care area

29. how and where to dispose of:

    • used equipment and materials
    • urine
      

30. the importance of ensuring catheter drainage systems are:

    • safely positioned to prevent ascending infection and accidental damage
    • carefully positioned to maintain the dignity of the individual
      

31. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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2

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHCHS9

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Care, urinary, catheters

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