Self-Catheterisation
Self-catheterisation training helps your team provide effective care and support for people who self-catheterise. Delivered on-site by our experienced clinical trainers, with practical work wherever the subject allows.
Why this training matters
Catheterisation is very common — around 1 in 5 hospital patients and 1 in 14 people in the community have a urinary catheter — and for many people intermittent self-catheterisation is safer, because retained urine is a major cause of infection.
Source: Bladder & Bowel UK (Shackley et al) · 2017
About the course
Support people who self-catheterise
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Understand your role in supporting people with catheters
- Understand different types and causes of incontinence
- Be aware of the risks associated with incontinence
- Recognise the indications for self-catheterisation
- How to maintain dignity, choice, and independence for those with urinary catheters
- Understand the importance of aseptic techniques, handwashing and PPE
- Know how intermittent catheters are used
- Be able to support those using intermittent catheters
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of infections and complications
- Understand how they are treated
- Understand why and when fluid balances are undertaken
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Everything the course covers, exactly as our trainers deliver it:
Roles and Responsibilities
- The person
- Carers
Incontinence
- Bladder function and continence
- Types and causes of urinary incontinence
- Risks of incontinence
Choice of Catheter
- What are catheters?
- Indications for self-catheterisation
- Intermittent catheters
Safeguarding, Choice and Dignity
- Promoting independence
- Maintaining dignity
- Capacity assessment
Hygiene and PPE
- Aseptic techniques
- Handwashing technique
- PPE
The Procedure
- Preparation
- Insertion
- Drainage
- Removal
- Disposal
- Supporting the process
Infections and Complications
- Cleaning the catheter site
- Combating infection
- Signs of infection
- Haematuria
- Treatment for infections
Fluid Balances
- What is fluid balance?
- When we should check someone’s fluid balance?
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 Self-Catheterisation course?
It runs as a half day – 3 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 1 year, 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 Self-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.