We hypothesize that access to innovative and easy to use products that offer a high level of discretion would result in high end-user satisfaction and ultimately lead to successful experiences with Intermittent Self Catheterization (ISC). The overall objective of this analysis is to explore and describe end-user perceptions of Infyna Chic™ intermittent catheter relevant to potential psychological factors and its effect on their confidence with catheterization.

A multinational cross-sectional survey recruited female intermittent catheter (IC) end-users during a regularly scheduled appointment with their clinician.  After consenting to participate, patients  were provided 5-30 Infyna Chic catheters to trial. The survey was completed via a non-transferable online link or a paper survey. Data collected Jan 23, 2019 through July 15, 2019.

This report includes data from France (n=240), Germany (n=170), UK (n=39), Netherlands (n=29), Canada (n=23) and Switzerland (n=14). Upon using Infyna Chic catheters, more than 90% rated Infyna Chic catheters to be easy to use, discreet, and appealing. Participants also reported positive emotional effects from Infyna Chic catheters. Compared to existing IC end-users, new end-users were significantly more likely to report that the “Infyna Chic catheter helps me feel better about needing to catheterize” (90/104; 87% new IC users vs. 297/408; 72% existing users; p <0.05). Respondents also stated that the “Infyna Chic catheter gives me confidence to live the way I want to live” (79% new IC end-users vs. 67% existing IC end-users; p <0.05) (Figure 1).  Moreover, participants reported that Infyna Chic catheters provide added confidence to catheterize; 387 of 512 respondents (76%) agreed/strongly agreed that they feel better about needing to catheterize with Infyna Chic catheters and 358 of 512 respondents agreed/strongly agreed that they have more confidence to “live the way they want” with Infyna Chic catheters.

Psychological barriers may affect positive experiences with ISC.  Poor confidence, embarrassment, anxiety, stigma and fears, have been reported as barriers affecting successful ISC [1]. In this multinational report, over 500 female end-users reported highly positive experiences and an increased confidence in catheterization after using Infyna Chic catheters.  Thus, Infyna Chic catheter end-users may be more likely to accept ISC management and experience successful catheterization.

While initial resistance to ISC is common due to psychological barriers, increased confidence in ISC management offers end-users greater independence and freedom to participate in daily activities.  This is particularly important for new end-users who may express initial fear about learning ISC management.  This fear, along with other psychological factors, may influence their long-term adherence and success to ISC [1]. Professional support from experienced nurses may help minimize such psychological barriers by providing education, continued support and reassurance.

Seth et. al.  Patient Preference and Adherence. 2014; 8: 191-198
Vahr, S., et. al. Evidence-based guidelines for best practice in urological health, in European Association of Urology Nurses. 2013: Retrieved from: https://nurses.uroweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2013_EAUN_Guideline_Milan_2013-Lr_DEF.pdf.