• Aisling U Nic An Ríogh, Clare O'Connell, Peter E Lonergan, and Niall F Davis.
• Department of Urology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. aislingnicanriogh@rcsi.ie.
• Ir J Med Sci. 2020 Nov 1; 189 (4): 1501-1506.

BackgroundUrethral catheterisation (UC) is a frequently performed medical procedure and catheter-related injuries can lead to significant morbidity for patients. The aims of this study are to assess interns' exposure to UC and to design, implement and assess a structured UC skills workshop for hospital interns.MethodsA 10-item anonymous questionnaire on UC was distributed to interns in two university teaching hospitals. Respondents were invited to participate in a skills workshop. Teaching methods for correct UC technique included a lecture, a video tutorial and a simulated patient model. Participants' catheter insertion skills were assessed using a 20-item OSCE checklist when the UC workshop concluded.ResultsIn total, 40 interns completed the initial questionnaire of whom 26 (65%) had not received any dedicated catheter skills training prior to commencing internship. Fourteen (35%) were unsupervised during their first UC. Fifteen (37%) interns attended the dedicated skills workshop. All interns found the workshop beneficial and 12 (80%) reported an improvement on confidence afterwards. Following the workshop, the mean (± standard deviation) catheter insertion OSCE score was 92% (± 14.1).ConclusionsInterns have a lack of knowledge, experience and confidence with catheter insertion. Current training models are deficient. The introduction of a structured skills workshop may help to improve catheter insertion skills among interns.

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