NICE Guidance on Intermittent Urethral Catheters for Adults

The NICE Late-Stage Assessment (LSA) guidance provides recommendations on the use of intermittent urethral catheters for adults with chronic incomplete bladder emptying. It evaluates widely used medical technologies, considering price differences, innovation, clinical effectiveness, and patient benefits, helping NHS commissioners, procurement teams, and healthcare professionals make informed choices that maximize both outcomes and value for money. Healthcare professionals are expected to take the guidance into account while exercising clinical judgment tailored to individual patient needs, in consultation with patients or their carers. Any adverse events related to devices should be reported via the Yellow Card Scheme. Commissioners and providers must implement the guidance in compliance with duties to prevent discrimination, promote equality, and ensure robust governance structures for introducing new devices or procedures. Additionally, they are encouraged to consider the environmental impact of implementing NICE recommendations, promoting sustainable healthcare practices within their local context.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2025, July 9). Intermittent urethral catheters for chronic incomplete bladder emptying in adults: Late-stage assessment (NICE Guidance HTE28). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/hte28