Mr. Carmelo Bezzina
Institute of Health Care
University of Malta

ABSTRACT
This study explored nursing practice behaviour regarding urinary catheter care in St. Vincent DePaul Residence. This was done by gathering information with regard to the present catheter care practices among nursing staff in different wards at the residence. No previous study of this nature was undertaken in St. Vincent DePaul Residence. St. Vincent DePaul Residence is a large institution having a high proportion of untrained or unqualified staff who have never had any proper training or upgrading courses regarding urinary catheter care and related problems. Qualified staff have done their nursing course a long time ago with little opportunities for in service courses resulting in outdated knowledge and practice. This has served as a motivation to the study aiming at identifying such practice and recommending actions accordingly.

The literature review focused mainly on urinary catheters, urine bags and catheterisation, and catheter care techniques. Data collection was done using a standard questionnaire filled after observing practice behaviour in different wards. The result indicate that the residents who have an indwelling catheter are at constant risk of developing urinary tract infections. Staff handling urinary catheters should comply with standard procedures regarding urinary catheter care.

May 1998