Catheterization is a tube which is placed in the patient body to collect and drain urine from the bladder (Medical Affairs Scientific Review, 2016). Multiple types of catheter are available in the contemporary healthcare system, and the healthcare establishment can decide which one to choose. It is well-known that catheterization is associated with the increased risk of urinary tract infections. However, it is also considered that the degree of risk depends on the type of catheterization. There exist two the most widely used catheterization types which are intermittent and indwelling catheterizations. The research question is: what catheter is better to use – intermittent or indwelling?
With the help of the research, it is possible to prove that the intermittent catheterization is safer than the indwelling catheterization. It is necessary to find the evidence that the use of intermittent catheterization is associated with the reduced risk of infection. For instance, in the Medical Affairs Scientific Review (2016), it is reported that the transmitted catheterization reduces the risk of UTI by 20%. The dwelling catheterization is positively associated with bladder cancer.
Similar data derived from credible source can be used to answer the questions about the effectiveness of dwelling and transmitted catheterizations. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be necessary to answer the research question. Quantitative data implies statistics and percentage rating. The qualitative data will use patient self-reports and the medical treatment record. It will help to understand in what particular cases the intermitted and indwelling generate either positive or negative outcomes. To ensure that the evidence merits changes in practice, it is necessary to check the applicability, validity, and reliability of each evidence (Thyer, 2004). The nurse is expected to critically evaluate the information collected. They should pay attention to date of the publication, source, and the circumstances which affect the patient health.
- Medical Affairs Scientific Review. (2016). Intermittent vs. indwelling catheterization.Medical Affairs Scientific Review.
- Thyer, B. (2004). What is evidence-based practice?Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention, 4 (2), 167-176.
