a) To Registered Nurses who will be undertaking supra-pubic catheterisation throughout the health & social care sector and

b) To Healthcare Assistants and Support Workers who are required to understand and undertake basic procedures in relation to supra-pubic catheter maintenance and catheter care.

This training is delivered by a Registered Nurse.

Module Objectives

• To understand basic anatomy and physiology in relation to the genito-urinary tract and to the supra-pubic catheter entry site.
• To understand the reasons/benefits of supra-pubic catheterisation as opposed to urethral catheterisation
• To understand potential risks and complications.
• To be able to undertake both risk assessment and care planning in relation to suprapubic catheterisation and  catheter care (*for Registered Nurses only)
• To understand basic legislation, policies and good procedures (to include consent, competencies, documentation)
• To be aware of the basic equipment required for supra-pubic catheter care maintenance
• To be able to maintain and deliver good supra-pubic catheter care and recognise signs for concern (i.e. infection, friction, blockage, bypassing and displacement)
• To be able to offer client/patient education and support

• A supra-pubic clinical training model is used to demonstrate clinical procedure and allows Registered Nurses to be trained in the practical element in order for them to work towards gaining competency and confidence to carry out the procedure in their clinical setting.

• Use of clinical model allows the practitioner to feel “normal pressures” exerted by the abdominal wall on catheterisation and allows them to feel when the bladder is successfully reached (water will flow through the catheter).