Adherence of spinal cord injury patients in the community to self-clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) within 12 months of discharge following rehabilitation: A telephone survey

ContextSpinal cord injury often results in neurogenic bladder affecting storage or emptying functions of the bladder. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is considered the gold standard for patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Our study aims to assess the adherence of patients to CIC following discharge from rehabilitation.ObjectivePRIMARY: To assess the adherence of patients with spinal cord injury in the community to self-CIC within 12 months of discharge. SECONDARY: To study the reasons and analyze the factors associated with discontinuation of CIC and to assess the perception of patients regarding CIC.MethodsProspective follow-up of a retrospective cohort in 121 individuals with paraplegia who were trained to do CIC for bladder management. After obtaining telephonic consent, a questionnaire-based interview was conducted.ResultsOut of 121 patients, 97 (80.2%) were males and 24 (19.8%) were females. The mean age was 35.8 +/- 11.6 years. About 89 (73.6%) patients were continuing CIC as the primary mode of bladder management after discharge. However, only 18 (15%) patients were fully compliant with the CIC technique, 71 (59%) were partially compliant and 32 (26%) patients discontinued CIC. Reasons for the discontinuation of CIC included medical complications (78%), including leaks, recurrent UTI, hematuria, ulcers, back pain, and spasticity, and other factors like difficulty in following the timing of CIC (12.5%), issues with positioning (3.1%), and difficulty in restricting fluid intake (6.3%).ConclusionThis study highlights the need for regular follow-up as well as education of patients regarding CIC technique, complications, care, and hygiene while doing CIC which can result in improved adherence to CIC.