Safe Catheter Care, Monitoring, Troubleshooting and Removal Skills

Urinary catheterisation is a common clinical procedure that requires competent management to reduce the risk of infection, trauma and other catheter-related complications. This practical face-to-face course provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to safely manage, monitor and remove urethral urinary catheters in adult patients. Training follows current UK legislation, evidence-based guidance and recognised best practice, with a strong focus on infection prevention, patient dignity, documentation and clinical decision-making. Participants will learn to identify potential complications, provide appropriate catheter care, recognise when escalation is required and safely perform catheter removal within their professional role and local organisational policies. Through demonstrations, practical skills sessions and realistic clinical scenarios, learners will build confidence in delivering safe, effective and person-centred catheter care across a variety of healthcare settings.

Aim

To develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to safely manage, monitor and remove adult urinary catheters while promoting patient safety, dignity, comfort and evidence-based clinical practice.

Scope

This course covers the principles of urinary catheter management, routine catheter care, infection prevention, catheter maintenance, urine drainage systems, documentation, recognition of complications, troubleshooting common catheter-related problems, safe catheter removal techniques and appropriate escalation in accordance with current UK guidance and local policies.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for:

1. Registered Nurses.
2. Nursing Associates.
3. Healthcare Assistants (where catheter removal is permitted under local policy and competency).
4. Community and District Nurses.
5. General Practice Nurses.
6. Care Home Nurses.
7. Healthcare professionals involved in the ongoing care and management of adult patients with urinary catheters.

What This Course Covers

1. Urinary catheter anatomy and indications.
2. Types and selection of urinary catheters.
3. Routine catheter care and maintenance.
4. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention.
5. Monitoring urine output and catheter function.
6. Recognising and managing common catheter-related complications.
7. Documentation and legal responsibilities.
8. Safe urinary catheter removal techniques.
9. Patient education and aftercare.
10. Practical hands-on skills assessment using simulation equipment.

Certification

Learners who successfully demonstrate competence during the practical assessment will receive a Certificate of Attendance with Practical Competency, valid in accordance with employer requirements. An annual refresher is recommended to maintain competence and remain aligned with current UK best practice.

Refresher Recommendation: Annual refresher training is recommended to maintain clinical competence and ensure practice remains aligned with current UK guidance, employer policies and evidence-based practice.