Urinary retention is the inability to passively void urine, and the preferred treatment method for managing this bladder condition is clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC) (Blok et al, 2017).
CISC may be initiated for many reasons, but it is most commonly performed when there is residual urine in the bladder accompanied with voiding symptoms or complications, such as urinary tract infections, discomfort and incontinence (Vahr et al, 2012; 2013a; 2013b). Bladder treatments such as botulinum toxin injections and oral antimuscarinics are prescribed to reduce detrusor overactivity, but can cause incomplete bladder emptying if overly effective (Liberman et al, 2018). CISC is often initiated for this cause.
CISC is achieved when the catheter is inserted into the urethral orifice, along the urethra and into the bladder to eliminate urine (Dougherty et al, 2015).
Patients who have been diagnosed with long-term urinary retention are often taught to self-catheterise independently. Although CISC may be perceived as an arduous endeavour by patients, it is regarded as an intervention that will improve quality of life and facilitate independence for patients who have long-term urinary retention (Logan et al, 2008).
Patient education for CISC
Patients are frequently assessed on their capacity to process, obtain and understand healthcare-related information accompanied by clinical instruction. This is often referred to as ‘health literacy’ (Somers and Mahadevan, 2010). The level of health literacy a patient has acquired is crucial, and more so when evaluating a patient's understanding of health information and instructions to perform self-care at home (Yen and Leasure, 2019). According to Le Breton et al (2012), patients who are to be managed with CISC for voiding dysfunction require a structured educational approach, which is focused on comprehension, performance, follow-up and adaptation.
Patient education on how to effectively and successfully perform CISC is fundamental and contributes to positive outcomes, such as enhanced self-management, avoiding adverse effects in the case of infection and an improved quality of life (Wilde et al, 2015). Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a concern often related to poor catheter insertion technique (Jones et al, 2019). Educating the patient, as well as family members, on correct catheter insertion and care, and CAUTI prevention remains the ultimate strategy for prevention (Lee et al, 2015).
Patient assessment and competency of CISC
Determining the presence of residual urine using a portable 3D bladder scanner allows a non-invasive initial assessment before beginning CISC (Thanagumtorn, 2016). Symptom assessment is pivotal, and incomplete emptying, minimal voiding and straining to void are all indications of urinary retention (Kobayashi et al, 2019).
An assessment of whether or not the patient can perform CISC adequately is essential. According to Robinson (2006), a thorough nursing assessment needs to be undertaken to ascertain if the patient is suitable for and capable of undertaking the procedure. Although CISC is the most safe and effective method for draining residual urine, it is often reported that patients do not carry out the technique as recommended, which raises questions of competency, understanding and whether the patient's environment is suitable for carrying out the task (Bolinger and Engberg, 2013).
It is vital that patients have good dexterity to enable precise positioning and insertion of the catheter to perform CISC effectively (Robinson, 2006). Above all, through dialogue, nurses must evaluate patient satisfaction, attitude and persistence of carrying out CISC, as these factors are known to influence adherence (Barbosa et al, 2012; Hentzen et al, 2019).
Patient support
Performing CISC can be debilitating, and patient support is essential for providing reassurance. A study that explored the emotional responses of female patients learning to perform CISC identified that carrying out this intervention required a lifestyle adjustment and coping mechanisms, and engendered emotions of isolation with regard to seeking advice, lack of clarity and knowing whom to confide in (Ramm and Kane, 2011).
Effective communication skills, as well as professional nursing attitudes, are instruments for promoting patient confidence when conducting CISC, and these result in better long-term compliance (Logan et al, 2008). Patient-centred care is fundamental, and ensuring patient choice with regard to catheter type and size influences adherence and enhances the patient experience (Wilde et al, 2015). CISC can cause psychological distress for some patients and can be perceived as a burden by many (McClurg et al, 2018). Nonetheless, reinforcing the importance of patient-centred care for those who require CISC is pivotal, contributing to a positive perception of quality of life and enhancing self-dignity and self-esteem (Logan et al, 2008; Shaw and Logan, 2013).
Conclusion
Urinary retention is the inability to passively void urine, and CISC is recommend for alleviating the symptoms of this condition. Although it is a common clinical procedure, patient education and support are necessary to ensure compliance. Assessment of patient symptoms, competency and skill to perform the task is fundamental. Nurses have a key role to play in educating patients on how to self-catheterise, as well as in monitoring compliance and adherence. Patient support is crucial, and nurses must reinforce the importance of promoting patient-centred care before and after the initiation of CISC.