[AVBC 2025] Close It Up - Redesigning Method of Flushing the Indwelling Urinary Catheter
Care Process & Redesign
Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference
SingHealth
5 December 2025
To address indwelling urinary catheter blockages by implementing a new saline flushing technique via a urine bag urine. The simplified approach reduced infection risks by maintaining system integrity and preventing external contamination, enhancing.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 05 December 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Design Thinking, Product Development, Prototyping Resources, Workflow Redesign
About this Content
Aims
To address indwelling urinary catheter blockages by implementing a new saline flushing technique via a urine bag urine sample port.
Background
Long-term indwelling urinary catheter users frequently face blockages from sediment accumulation, requiring urgent medical intervention through catheter replacement in clinics or emergency departments. Traditional open system methods increase infection risks and are difficult to manage.
Methods
The project utilized Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles with a custom-designed eccentric tip syringe that enabled fluid instillation through the urine bag's sampling port. Various methods of clamping and bending the urine bag tubing during water instillation were tested.
Results
No patients required catheter changes before doctors recommendation. The implementation of a closed system flushing method yielded significant improvements, reducing infection risks and preventing blockages.
Conclusion
The simplified approach reduced infection risks by maintaining system integrity and preventing external contamination, enhancing patient comfort and extending catheter lifespan.
Lessons Learnt
Proper education and streamlined procedures achieved better adherence to flushing schedules and improved overall treatment outcomes.
Keywords
catheter, flushing, urinary, infection, blockage
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | Sengkang General Hospital |
Platform(s) | Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Urology, Infectious Diseases |
Project Lead(s) | Ma Victoria Dela Cruz Gonzalves |
Project Member(s) | Ma Victoria Gonzalves |
Connect with this contributor!
Ma Victoria Dela Cruz Gonzalves - ma.victoria.dela.cruz.gonzalves@skh.com.sg
Project Attachment
1097_SKGH_AVBC_2025_Close_it_Up_Redesigning_Method_of_Flushing_the_Indwelling_Urinary_Catheter.pdf