Cleaning and re-using intermittent self catheters: a questionnaire to gauge patient’s perceptions and prejudices

Abstract

Introduction: An estimated 60,000 people in the UK are currently performing some form of intermittent catheterisation, using 57.5 million catheters yearly. Current policy in the UK is to utilise single use, disposable catheters: however, this is not worldwide policy as repeated catheter use is common in many nations. The aim of this study was to determine UK patients’ views on re-using catheters and their willingness to re-use catheters. Method: Patients attending the clean intermittent self catheterisation [CISC]/urethral dilatation (UD) clinic over an eight-month period were asked to prospectively complete a standard, anonymous questionnaire. Results: A total of 100 questionnaires were returned, of which two-thirds were from men. Mean age was 61 years, (median 63 years). Indications for CISC/UD were urethral or meatal stenosis (7%), urethral stricture (25%) and residual volume in (67%). The majority of patients (71%) are unwilling to reuse catheters. Women were statistically very significantly more likely to refuse to re-use their catheters, ( p<0.01, Fisher’s exact test). Patients aged 70 years and older were significantly more likely to agree to re-use their catheters compared to those under 70 years, ( p=0.02, Fisher’s exact test). Patients performing intermittent self catheterisation [ISC] up to a maximum of twice per day were statistically more likely to agree to catheter re-use, ( p=0.03, Fisher’s exact test). Risk of infection was the main reason cited (by 87%) to not re-use a catheter. Lack of lubrication and less convenience were other quoted reasons. Finances and less waste were stated reasons to re-use catheters. Conclusions: Certain patient cohorts, men, patients over 70 years old and those performing CISC/UD less than three times daily are significantly more likely to agree to catheter re-usage.