Confidence and Knowledge of Urethral Catheterization and Complications Amongst Junior Doctors: The Immediate Impact of Peer-Led Clinical Mentorship

Abstract Aim Approximately 20% of inpatients have urinary catheters. Deficiencies in knowledge and errors in catheterization techniques can cause short and long-term complications. This study aims to evaluate the short-term benefit of peer-led sessions on the knowledge and confidence of junior doctors in performing urethral catheterizations. Method 81 Foundation Year doctors participated in a one-hour basic catheterization workshop. Data was collected via a validated questionnaire covering three domains (confidence, procedural knowledge, and knowledge about complications) administered before and after the workshop. Confidence was measured using a 5-point Likert scale; knowledge was assessed through 10 questions about the procedure and three further questions about complications. Data are expressed as mean±standard deviation and were analyzed using SPSS v23. Result The majority (96.4%) had performed less than five catheterizations. 21% felt adequately trained to catheterize, 70% believed they would benefit from semi-formal training, and 97.5% found the information covered in the session to be very useful. The average pre-session confidence in performing easy and difficult catheterizations were 3.03±1.05 and 2.01±1, respectively, and increased to 3.7±1 and 3±1.1, respectively, following the session (p < 0.005). Out of a total of 10 points, pre-workshop knowledge assessment scores were 3.9±1.6 and increased to 8.85±1.4 (p < 0.005). Likewise, from a total of three points, the average pre-session knowledge of complications score was 1.75±0.7, which increased to 2.65±0.6 after the session (p < 0.005). Conclusions Peer-led mentorship is an important and efficient educational tool. Short sessions have shown to improve the confidence and knowledge of junior doctors in urethral catheterization.