Catheterisation
Catheterisation training helps nurses safely select, insert and manage urinary catheters, and recognise and respond to complications, in line with UK best practice. Delivered on-site by our experienced clinical trainers, with practical work wherever the subject allows.
Why this training matters
Urinary catheters are one of the biggest sources of healthcare infection in England — one year’s data linked catheter-associated urinary tract infections to more than 52,000 infections, around 1,467 deaths and over £54 million in hospital costs. Safe insertion, care and prompt removal make a real difference.
Source: UK Health Security Agency · 2019 (2016/17 data)
About the course
Select, insert and manage urinary catheters safely
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Understand the policy and legal issues relevant to catheterisation
- Understand the anatomy and physiology of the urinary tract
- Address the issues of consent before catheterising a resident
- Identify indications, contraindications and precautions for catheterisation
- Distinguish between urethral, suprapubic and intermittent catheterisation
- Select appropriate catheter and drainage equipment types and sizes
- Care for a catheterised resident, minimising infection and blockage risk
- Know how to gain and maintain competence in catheterisation
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Everything the course covers, exactly as our trainers deliver it:
Introduction, Scope & Competency
- When is catheterisation appropriate?
- Who performs catheterisation?
- Training requirements
- Anatomy of the urinary tract
Clinical Indications for Catheterisation
- Short & long-term use
- Permanent & other uses
- The HOUDINI protocol
- Acute urinary retention
- Chronic urinary retention
Choice of Catheter
- External catheters
- Intermittent vs. indwelling
- Suprapubic catheters
- Collection methods
- Types of drainage bag
Catheter Types, Materials and Sizing
- Materials
- Antimicrobial coatings
- Design & tip types
- Contraindications
- Sizing — the Charrière scale
Ethics, Dignity and Consent
- Dignity
- Consent principles
- Mental capacity
- Causes of lack of capacity
Infection Prevention and Control
- Personal responsibility & hygiene
- Hand hygiene — five moments
- Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT)
The Catheterisation Procedure
- Equipment checklist
- Male catheterisation
- Female catheterisation
- Suprapubic catheter change
Documenting the Insertion Procedure
- Record on insertion
- Also record
Complications and Infection Management
- Everyday infection precautions
- Current UK best practice (NICE / UKHSA)
- CAUTI symptoms
- Haematuria — common causes
- Other complications
Documentation and Record-Keeping
- Company policy
- Training records
- Competency records
- Urine output log
- Continence risk assessment
- Complications record
- Cleaning regimes
- Emergency care record
Calculating and Monitoring Fluid Balance
- Fluid balance & dehydration
- Assessing fluid balance
- Normal urine output
- Recommended fluid intake
- Causes of inadequate intake
Please note: successful completion of this course certifies that delegates have demonstrated an appropriate level of competency within a training-room environment only. This is not the same as being competent to perform the procedure on a person. Competency must still be demonstrated in the working environment and signed off by a relevant and competent person in line with your company policies.
Keep exploring
Related clinical courses
These subjects sit naturally alongside this course — and we can combine courses into one visit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is the training delivered?
All of our training is delivered on-site at your service, anywhere in the UK — we come to you, so there are no travel costs or venue hire for your team.
How long is the Catheterisation course?
It runs as a full day – 6 hours course, delivered in one visit unless stated otherwise.
How many delegates can attend?
Up to 12 delegates per session — we keep practical groups smaller so everyone gets hands-on time.
Is there a practical element?
Yes — delegates practise the techniques hands-on during the course, guided by the trainer. Please note that completion certifies competency within a training-room environment only; competency must still be signed off in the workplace in line with your company policies.
Do delegates receive a certificate?
Yes — every delegate receives a certificate on completion. Certificates are valid for 2 years, so plan refresher training before they expire.
How much does the course cost?
We price every course on application, based on your dates, location and delegate numbers. Use the contact buttons below — we reply quickly with a quote.
Can we combine courses into one visit?
Yes. Many clients build a full training day from shorter courses, and we can deliver several subjects in one visit — just tell us what your team needs.
Do you only train care providers?
No. This course suits care & nursing homes, home care (complex packages), hospices, hospitals & clinics, supported living. If your sector isn’t listed, ask — we’ll tailor the course to your setting.
Book this course
We bring Catheterisation training to your service
Delivered on-site at your service, nationwide, with pricing on application. Tell us your dates and delegate numbers and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.
Part of our clinical training range. Also explore mandatory training and first aid courses.