Insights From an Expert Roundtable Discussion: Navigating Intermittent Catheterisation-Associated Complications

Abstract

With a pre-specified aim of improving the standard of care of those living with intermittent catheter use, a roundtable discussion led by a panel of esteemed international experts convened in early 2023. The discussion provided valuable insights and recommendations regarding understanding the challenges associated with intermittent catheter use and catheter-associated complications (CAC). Key issues centred on the myriad of complications associated with intermittent catheterisation (IC), including urinary tract infections (UTI), discomfort, urethral trauma, haematuria, and their impact on patient-reported outcomes. The heterogeneity of patient groups included in IC research evidence, and discrepancies in current guidelines emerged as key concerns. The panel acknowledged the lack of consensus and clarity surrounding definitions and classification of several complications related to IC and the heterogenous range of reported outcome measures, highlighting the critical need for establishing unified definitions of IC-associated complications (ICAC), and better-defined patient groups in future research, in order to avoid these issues, and produce more definitive research conclusions. To promote clarity and consistency in terminology and clinical practice, the roundtable discussion proposed an overarching consensus definition for catheter-related complications of IC and associated endpoints, referring to these as “events that disrupt catheterisation.” The panel also considered the potential of education and innovative catheter technology as an effective means to address these common issues. Recognising the importance of education, the experts highlighted the need for new definitions and descriptions to improve clarity and consistency in clinical practice, and more research involving the array of complications associated with intermittent catheter use. Furthermore, the discussion shed light on advancements in catheter technology, exploring the potential contributions of emerging innovations, such as next-generation catheter technology like FeelClean™ Technology (Convatec, Paddington, London, UK), in minimising complications and enhancing patient outcomes.