Suprapubic catheterization: a suitable procedure for clinical nurse specialists in selected patients

Objective To assess the feasibility and advantages of urology clinical nurs e specialists (NSs) extending their professional role to include inserting initial suprapubic catheters in selected patients in the hospital and commu nity setting. Patients and methods A urology NS, who is also the district continence advi ser, was formally taught by a consultant urologist how to insert suprapubic catheters using the 'Add-a-Cath' introducer technique (Femcare, UK). Once deemed competent, the NS was indemnified by the Trust to carry out the proc edure in carefully selected patients using a safe and unequivocal protocol. Results Over a period of 40 months, the NS undertook the procedure in 164 p atients, with 64 being catheterized in the community. There were no serious complications in the: series and during the period studied, only 17 patien ts were referred back to the urologists for catheterization under formal th eatre conditions. Conclusion Initial suprapubic catheterization can be carried out safely by trained NSs in selected patients. This extended professional role has helpe d to improve the continuity and quality of care for patients who require lo ng-term catheterization. The NS was also a valuable source of training for junior medical staff who have. limited experience with suprapubic catheteri zation.