#0463

Improving Knowledge and Confidence in Continuous Bladder Irrigation: A Nursing Education Program in the Emergency Department

O. Perera¹, Y. Ho¹

¹Department of Urology, Ipswich Hospital, Ipswich, Australia

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an education program on continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) for nursing staff within the emergency department (ED). CBI is a critical procedure in managing patients with haematuria, or post-operative cares following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Inadequate initiation or commencement of CBI at the beginning of the patient's presentation can cause significant harm.The aim of this study was to enhance the knowledge, skills, and confidence of ED nurses in performing CBI safely and effectively.

Material and methods:

A structured education program was implemented for 23 nursing staff members in the ED. The 1-hour program consisted of theoretical instruction, hands-on practice, and post-education assessment. Topics covered included indications for CBI, proper technique for catheter insertion and irrigation, monitoring for complications, trouble-shooting, and patient management. The training was delivered through an in-person session, supplemented with visual aids and a practical hands on model. Pre- and post-education assessments were conducted to measure knowledge improvement, and self-reported confidence levels were recorded. Data on CBI-related complications were also collected from both the ED and surgical ward for the 6 months before and after the workshop.

Results:

The education program led to a significant improvement in nursing staff knowledge and confidence. Pre-education knowledge scores averaged 62%, which increased to 88% post-education (p<0.01). Confidence levels also saw a notable improvement, with 95% of nurses reporting high confidence in performing continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) independently after the program, compared to only 70% prior. All participants (100%) found the training relevant and useful, with hands-on practice being particularly beneficial. Clinically, there was a noticeable reduction in CBI-related complications both in the emergency department and surgical ward. Additionally, the program addressed the critical issue of inadequate CBI initiation, which, if not properly managed, can lead to significant harm to patients. Patient satisfaction improved as a result of the enhanced nursing care.