10th April 2012
Welsh campaign questions use of catheters and cannulas
A campaign has been launched across Wales in an effort to reduce the number of patients who develop infections related to the use of catheters and cannulas.
As part of the STOP campaign, developed by 1000 Lives Plus, a national medical safety programme, healthcare staff are being urged to carefully assess whether patients need the devices or if they should have them removed.
Commenting on the project, Jan Davies, 1000 Lives Plus director, said: “There are always going to be times when the insertion of a catheter or cannula is the best course of action for patients. They can be an important part of treatment, but they can sometimes be used when they aren’t needed and can cause complications if left in for too long.
“By reducing the use of these devices and improving how they are maintained when they are needed, we can ensure we are doing all we can to reduce the risk of infection to the patient.
“By stopping, thinking and considering other options, we really can help to reduce infections and avoid patients suffering unnecessary harm.”
Catheters are small tubes that are inserted into a patient’s bladder to relieve them of urine after an operation or during an illness. Cannulas are inserted directly into the vein to allow intravenous medicines and fluids to be given. In Wales, around 16% of patients have a urinary catheter and around 37% have a cannula fitted.
Figures show that urinary tract infections are the third most-common healthcare associated infection, accounting for 16% of all reports; and around 7% of all patients who have a cannula inserted have had an infection as a result.