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This thesis comprises of three studies, the first of which established a prevalence of 4% (of 1709) of long term catheterised patients known to the district nursing service within one district health authority. The second study investigated the advice and information given by 106 hospital and district nurses to patients when they start to use a catheter. Their recommendations included the amount of advice given, selection of catheters and drainage systems, meatal cleansing, use of bladder washouts and nurses' opinions about catheters. Significant differences were found between recommendations according to nurses' location of work and level of training. The third study investigated the effects of education, which comprised of an information booklet and demonstration, on patient's knowledge of their catheter, its acceptance and the management of the urine drainage system. Information collected covered; patient's knowledge of their catheter, its acceptance and the problems they encountered. Details of the patients' characteristics were also collected along with information relating to types of catheter used, use of antimicrobials and the bacteriological status of their urine. Observations of bag emptying and changing by patients and carers were also recorded along with an evaluation of the information booklet. Significantly more trial patients than control patients had better knowledge of their catheters, at both the test and follow up visits. New catheter users in the trial group benefitted from the study as acceptance of their catheter was accelerated, indicated by a decreased score for depression at the follow up. The findings of the three studies are discussed, with a number of conclusions drawn and recommendations for clinical practice. Further research has also been suggested. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).