Analysis of facilitators and barriers to early urinary catheter removal in postoperative patients by spine surgery nurses: a qualitative study based on the COM-B model in China.

Background: The high utilization rate of indwelling urinary catheters in patients after spine surgery poses an increased risk for a range of associated complications. Evidence-based recommendations suggest that urinary catheters should be removed early, yet spine surgery nurses are not positive about the behavior of removing catheters early after the surgery.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the facilitators and barriers to early catheter removal by spine surgery nurses in postoperative patients, guided by the COM-B model.

Methods: This study employed a qualitative study with a descriptive research design. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were carried out to explore facilitators and barriers to early catheter removal in postoperative patients by 18 spine surgery nurses in China. Data were analyzed using traditional content analysis methods.

Results: We identified 10 barriers and facilitators from capability, opportunity, and motivation based on the COM-B model. (1) capability: lack of knowledge, Lack of standardized protocols, Changes in workload; (2) opportunity: Increase in the demand for human and material resources, Lack of effective communication, Lack of prioritization of early catheter removal; and (3) motivation: Promote patients' early recovery, Conflicting emotions.

Conclusions: Nurses encountered barriers from capability, opportunity, and motivation, which were not isolated but interrelated. Future interventions need to incorporate facilitators and barriers to address the issue of early indwelling urinary catheter removal in patients after spine surgery by taking a holistic approach at multiple levels, including nurses, doctors, patients, and health systems.