Reducing the Use of Indwelling Urinary Catheters During Cesarean Deliveries

One concern for medical professionals and women experiencing cesarean deliveries is the use of indwelling urinary catheters, which is associated with a delay in first void time, slower ambulation time, increased discomfort, longer hospital stays, and an increased risk for urinary tract infections. The purpose of this project was to determine if a practice change regarding the use of urinary catheters among pregnant women decreases the number of women receiving a catheter prior to having a cesarean section in a small community hospital. The knowledge to action and Rosswurm and Larabee’s models were used to guide this project, which was comprised of 2 phases. Phase 1 included a team of 10 experts that created the needs assessment that would establish hemodynamic stability using a 4-point scale. The items for inclusion in the needs assessment included primary cesarean, repeat cesarean, no urinary tract infection present, no fetal distress present, no systemic disorders present, no hypertensive disorders present, and no contraindications for anesthesia. Phase 2 was the implementation and evaluation of the needs assessment and new practice guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann Whitney U test. There was 98% compliance (p < 0.001.) with the use of the assessment in women undergoing a cesarean delivery and a 64% reduction in the length of time an indwelling catheter was left in place. However, there was no significant change in the number of women receiving a catheter prior to cesarean delivery after a needs assessment was performed (p = 0.805). This project has potential implications that would support social change by reducing the use of indwelling catheters among hemodynamically stable women undergoing cesarean deliveries. Key words: Indwelling catheter, Urinary catheter, Foley, Cesarean, C-section