Urinary catheterization of men and women: NAFC releases new consumer educational resource

The National Association For Continence (NAFC) has released a new consumer educational resource, focusing on catheterization procedures and care in the United States. The Urinary Catheterization of Men and Women pamphlet is the newest addition to NAFC's library of educational materials available to consumers seeking knowledge of management and treatment options for medical problems related to incontinence. It is also helpful as an educational supplement to nurses giving instructions to patients regarding their self-care.

Catheterizations are performed in the hospital, home, and/or skilled nursing facility at a rate of 4—5 million per year. The new publication covers step-by-step instruction on how to perform self-catheterization, what to know about product selection and Medicare coverage for single use product. This pamphlet also covers reducing the risks of urinary tract infection (UTI). Such infection increases the cost of healthcare, morbidity and even mortality among people of all ages. The estimated annual cost of UTI is over $1.6 billion in the U.S. alone.

As of 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) opened its coverage policy for up to 200 single-use, disposable catheters per month. Any individual who meets the basic coverage criteria of permanent urinary incontinence or urinary retention can receive one sterile urological catheter and one packet of lubricant for each episode of covered catheterization.

Leslie Wooldridge, GNP-BC, editor of this publication, believes this pamphlet will help many. "I will recommend this publication to all of my patients who catheterize, many of whom may not be aware of the recent change in Medicare coverage. Other healthcare professionals will find this pamphlet useful as well."

Karen Sasso, RN, APN, BSN, MSN, CCCN, clinical reviewer of this publication, explains the use of this pamphlet: "Catheterization should be easy and painless. This pamphlet will help many learn the correct way to catheterize and how to avoid discomfort and possible bladder infections that occur when incorrect technique is performed."

Source The National Association For Continence