Hypospadias repair: the nursing contribution

The role of the urology nurse in the care of 50 boys undergoing hypospadias surgery was prospectively evaluated using semi-structured interviews and data retrieved from hospital notes. Four nursing-related areas of interest were identified: Firstly, that nurses were instrumental in preparing the families for surgery by assessing the boys and providing information to the families. This enabled the early discharge of the children. Secondly, that nurses also dealt with any problems arising from pain or the wound as well as from the catheter or stent. Thirdly, that named nurses provided seamless care to the families enabling a development of familiarity and trust. Finally, nurses provided routine back-up and a 24-h emergency call facility for the families at home. These were valued by the parents for their reassuring and confidence giving effect as well as the quality of the advice given. Based on the results of this evaluation it was recommended to establish and introduce a care pathway for day-case hypospadias repairs and to upgrade the urology nurses' role towards advanced nursing practice.