Strategies to promote intermittent self-catheterisation in adults with neurogenic bladders: A systematic review.

Abstract

Review Objective The purpose of this systematic review is to establish the best available evidence on strategies to promote intermittent urethral self-catheterisation in adults with neurogenic / neuropathic bladders. More specifically, the review questions are: What are the extrinsic and/or intrinsic factors that influence the suitability of individuals to perform self intermittent [urethral] catheterisation (SIMC)? What strategies promote long term compliance with SIMC? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using SIMC? Does SIMC improve the quality of life for people using this bladder management strategy? Criteria for considering studies for this review Types of Studies This review will incorporate the best available evidence for each of the sub-topics identified by the objectives and specific questions asked in this systematic review. Quantitative This component of the review will consider any randomised controlled trials (RCT) that examine the effectiveness of strategies to promote long term compliance with self-intermittent catheterisation. In the absence of RCT other quantitative research designs such as non-randomised experimental and quasi experimental, before and after studies, cohort studies and case series/case reports will be considered for inclusion in a narrative summary. For the remaining three sub-topics, i.e. quality of life, advantages and disadvantages of SIMC, and factors influencing suitability of individuals to perform SIMC, all quantitative research designs will be considered for inclusion. Qualitative This component of the review will consider any interpretive studies that draw on the experiences of intermittent self-catheterisation by adults for each of the sub-topics. This will include, but not be limited to, designs such as phenomenology, grounded theory and ethnography. Studies excluded from this review include: Those involving children and adolescents, i.e. > 18 years of age, Catheterisation performed by a carer or health professional, Catheterisation of a surgically created stoma, Indwelling catheters, Comparison of catheter types, Strategies to specifically reduce infection. Types of participants The review will include adults who are 18 years or older, who undertake urethral self-catheterisation for management of their neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Types of interventions/phenomena of interest The interventions, programs and strategies of primary interest are those TRUNCATED AT 350 WORDS