Clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC) is often recommended for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
To determine the variables that affect continuation or discontinuation of the use of CIC.
A three-part mixed-method study (prospective longitudinal cohort ( n = 56), longitudinal qualitative interviews ( n = 20) and retrospective survey ( n = 456)) was undertaken, which identified the variables that influenced CIC continuation/discontinuation. The potential explanatory variables investigated in each study were the individual's age, gender, social circumstances, number of urinary tract infections, bladder symptoms, presence of co-morbidity, stage of multiple sclerosis and years since diagnosis, as well as CIC teaching method and intensity.
For some people with MS the prospect of undertaking CIC is difficult and may take a period of time to accept before beginning the process of using CIC. Ongoing support from clinicians, support at home and a perceived improvement in symptoms such as nocturia were positive predictors of continuation. In many cases, the development of a urinary tract infection during the early stages of CIC use had a significant detrimental impact on continuation.
Procedures for reducing the incidence of urinary tract infection during the learning period (i.e. when being taught and becoming competent) should be considered, as well as the development of a tool to aid identification of a person's readiness to try CIC.
Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England). 2018 Apr 01 [Epub ahead of print]
Doreen McClurg, Carol Bugge, Andrew Elders, Tasneem Irshad, Suzanne Hagen, Katherine N Moore, Brian Buckley, Mandy Fader
NMAHP RU, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK., Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK., Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada., Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines., Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK/Continence and Skin Technology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.