The real-life experiences and challenges individuals face performing intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) remain underexplored. A deeper understanding of daily habits, usage patterns, and user perspectives is essential to improving clinical guidance and product design. Longitudinal data on ISC users can offer meaningful insights into their daily usage, habits, and experiences. 

This analysis aims to examine user perceptions of ease of use and discreetness associated with intermittent catheter products.

A descriptive analysis was completed using baseline self-reported data from 225 participants enrolled in the Continence Care Registry (ConCaRe™), a multinational, longitudinal study of individuals performing ISC. Participants were based in the United States (62%), Canada (14%), and the United Kingdom (24%). Data were collected via electronic questionnaires, including the Intermittent Self-Catheterization Questionnaire (ISC-Q), EuroQoL-5D, and the RAND-modified Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. This analysis focused on responses to selected ISC-Q items and registry-specific questions related to product experience.

There were 225 participants: 140 males, 83 females, and 2 non-binary individuals. Among female respondents, 89% reported having full ability to grasp objects, an important functional consideration for ISC use. A subgroup analysis was conducted on 47 females who reported primarily using compact intermittent catheters. Within this subgroup, 13 (28%) used a female compact catheter packaged in a polypropylene case featuring an integrated O-ring gasket, designed to reduce leakage and odor and allow for single-handed reclosure. The remaining 34 (72%) used compact catheters without these specialized packaging features. Outcomes assessed included confidence when away from home, ease of opening the catheter packaging, satisfaction with the amount of loose liquid, and perceptions of discreetness during use and disposal (Table 1).

Confidence when catheterizing away from home was notably higher among users of the female compact catheter packaged in a polypropylene case with an integrated O-ring gasket and single-handed reclosure. Among this group, 92% strongly agreed their catheter helped them feel confident, compared to 44% of the other compact catheter users.

These users also reported more favorable experiences across several domains. For example, 92% strongly agreed they could use their catheter discreetly in public settings, compared to just 44% of users of other compact catheters. Similarly, 92% indicated they could dispose of their catheter discreetly, whereas only 56% of other compact catheter users reported the same. This is particularly relevant given that many public and workplace restrooms lack appropriate disposal facilities.[1] A re-closable catheter case that minimizes leakage and odor may enable users to delay disposal until more convenient conditions are available. In addition, 77% of users of the re-closable compact catheter found the packaging very easy to open, compared to 62% of other compact catheter users. A high degree of satisfaction with the amount of loose liquid in the packaging was also greater among this group (84% vs. 76%).

These findings suggest that features such as easy package opening, secure containment, and discreet disposal may enhance user satisfaction and confidence, particularly when catheterizing away from home. This supports guideline recommendations to consider packaging design for patients with reduced dexterity, as overall usability plays a critical role in the catheterization experience.[2]

Patient-reported outcome measures provide valuable insight into the lived experiences of individuals performing ISC and can guide meaningful patient-clinician discussions, especially about quality of life.[3] While preliminary, these findings suggest that catheter packaging features, such as integrated gasket seals and single-handed reclosure, may enhance ease of use, confidence, and discretion, particularly away from home. Further research with larger, longitudinal samples is needed to assess the impact of design on usability over time, especially as dexterity changes. Thoughtful design may support informed catheter selection and improve the overall ISC experience and quality of life.

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van den Eijnde WAJ, Cuckow P, De Ridder D, et al. EAUN Guidelines: Urethral Intermittent Catheterisation: Evidence-based Guidelines for Best Practice Summary, March 2025. European Association of Urology Nurses (EAUN); 2025. doi:10.1007/s00345-025-1234-5.
van Doorn T, Coolen RL, Groen J, Scheepe JR, Blok BFM. Quality of life aspects of intermittent catheterization in neurogenic and non-neurogenic patients: a systematic review on heterogeneity in the measurements used. Neurourol Urodyn. 2024;16:1-34. doi: 10.1177/1756287241303447.