For decades, patients in the UK have been strictly advised by healthcare professionals to use single-use catheters to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), leaving no choice for those wanting to use the more environmentally sustainable reusable options.
The Southampton study followed 578 participants across a 12-month period, split into two groups – one of which stuck to single-use tubes.
The other group used both the reusable and single-use catheters, and were given a kit to wash them in soap and water, followed by a soak in chlorine solution.
Scientists found 29% of those in the mixed-use group had at least one UTI during the year, compared to about 34% of those who used a fresh one each time.
Lead author Prof Mandy Fader, of the university’s School of Health Sciences, said: “Until now, there has been a real lack of high-quality evidence to support the reuse of catheters.
“But, with our study, we can say for the first time that it is a safe option to switch to reusable catheters.”
According to the research team, a box of 30 single-use catheters can cost about £50. Reusable catheters in the trial cost less than 10p per use and can be reused for a month.
They claimed that if just 25% of patients made the switch, the NHS could save millions of pounds.
The landmark study, published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.