Skin integrity preservation using a nurse-constructed silicone adhesive Foley catheter

Date of Award/Publication

6-20-2024

Document Type

Article

Degree Name

M.S. in Advanced Practice Nursing

Abstract

Aims:

Skin breakdown is common in the intensive care unit (ICU). This pilot evaluation aimed to determine whether a nurse-constructed urinary catheter securement device using a silicone adhesive could reduce the complications of blistering and other skin breakdowns in a high-risk ICU population with Foley catheters.

Design:

A prospective, non-randomised performance improvement study using a convenience sample was carried out.

Subjects and setting:

The study sample consisted of 29 patients with urethral Foley catheters and any degree of thigh oedema in a surgical ICU at an academic quarternary medical center.

Methods:

Patients were fitted with a standard acrylic-adhesive catheter securement device on one thigh and a nurse-constructed device on the contralateral thigh. At the beginning of each 12-hour shift, the nurse moved the Foley catheter from one securement device to the other; the nurse recorded the assessment findings at the end of the shift.

Results:

The average age of the 29 patients was 61±16 (range 20–87) years. Visible skin compromise occurred in 21% of the time with the standard acrylic securement device; an equal percentage of men and women developed skin breakdown. Oedema status was a significant factor related to skin breakdown. There was no visible damage to the skin associated with the nurse-constructed silicone-adhesive device.

Conclusions:

A silicone adhesive urinary catheter securement device causes less skin damage than one with acrylic adhesive. One-step application, pain-free and atraumatic removal, and reliable securement are essential considerations in product development.

Comments

Published June 20, 2024 in the British Journal of Nursing. Volume 33, Issue 12

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