Hypothesis / aims of study
There is a lack of comprehensive data on the experiences of individuals with a variety of clinical conditions using intermittent self-catheterization (ISC). Longitudinal data on ISC users could offer valuable insights into their daily usage, habits, and experiences.
This study explores factors influencing catheter choice and usage among intermittent catheter (IC) users.
Study design, materials and methods
The Continence Care Registry (ConCaRe™) is a multinational study of individuals who perform ISC from the United States (62%), Canada (14%), and the United Kingdom (24%). Once enrolled, participants receive electronic questionnaires monthly for one year, then quarterly for up to five years. These surveys include the Intermittent Self-Catheterization Questionnaire (ISC-Q), EuroQoL-5D, and the RAND-modified Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. A descriptive analysis of baseline self-reported data from 225 participants focused on responses to the ISC-Q and registry-specific questions.
Results
The study evaluated IC usage and preferences among participants from Canada (CA), the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK). Most participants (84%) could choose their primary IC, with the highest percentage in CA (94%), followed by the US (86%) and the UK (74%). Compact catheters, also known as pocket or travel catheters, were the primary choice for 42% overall, but usage varied: 16% in CA, 40% in the US, and 61% in the UK. Twenty-eight percent (28%) of participants used multiple catheter types for various reasons. In CA, 57% cited discreetness and portability as key concerns. In the US, 57% reported a lack of discreetness. In the UK, 53% used multiple types of catheters primarily due to the absence of an attached collection bag on their primary catheter. Data on the ability to use IC discreetly, the ease of carrying catheters daily, and the impact of IC use on social visits are detailed in Table 1.
Interpretation of results
The study provides insights into catheter usage and preferences among participants from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Most participants could choose their primary intermittent catheter (IC) with a substantial proportion of participants in the UK choosing compact designed catheters.
A considerable proportion of participants used multiple catheter types for varying reasons. In Canada, catheter discreetness and portability were primary issues, while in the US, lack of catheter discreetness was the key issue. In the UK, participants cited the absence of an attached collection bag as the main reason. Discretion and portability are important factors that influence patients’ choices in catheter selection.[1] The use of more than one catheter type and its reasoning highlight opportunities for design improvements to enhance discreetness, portability, and convenience.
Discretion and portability significantly influenced catheter use. UK participants mostly agreed their catheter was discreet when used away from home and with daily carrying convenience, while Canadians agreed the least (Table 1 ). The need to use IC also impacted social activities, with the greatest percentage in Canada reporting reduced visits to friends and family, followed by the UK and the US (Table 1). One study found that while socially active individuals reported satisfaction with discreet catheters, interference with catheterization during outings reduced quality of life, highlighting the need for clinician assessment and support.[2] Guidelines recommend IC users should be offered access to different catheters or catheter packs for different purposes (e.g. ease of use may be particularly important when at work or in public.[3] These findings further suggest a need for more discreet and portable catheter options, particularly in Canada.