A Web-Based Self-Management Intervention for Intermittent Catheter Users

Urol Nurs, 2015 · DOI: · Published: July 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Patient Experience

Simple Explanation

This study introduces a new web-based program designed to help people with spinal cord injuries who use intermittent catheters to manage their bladder function. The website provides educational materials, a personal data section for tracking fluid intake and output, a journal, and an overview of the data collected to improve self-management skills. Study nurses provide phone consultations to guide participants in using the website and developing self-management strategies to address issues like balancing fluid intake and preventing urinary tract infections.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

34 individuals with SCI who use IC

Evidence Level

Single-group trial

Key Findings

1
The web-based intervention includes a unique interactive urinary diary, modified for mobile phone use, aiming to improve self-management skills among intermittent catheter users.
2
The intervention provides personalized data tracking, including fluid intake and output, catheterization frequency, and journal entries, to help users identify patterns and manage their condition better.
3
The program incorporates study nurse consultations and peer-led online forum discussions to provide support and guidance to participants.

Research Summary

A new Web-based self-management intervention was developed for persons with spinal cord injury who use intermittent urinary catheters. The intervention website includes content on a number of pages: a Home Page, Continence Product Advisor, Commercial Products, Educational Materials, Personal Data, Forum, Contact Us, Help, and Logout. This web-based intervention is the first known of its kind for intermittent catheter users.

Practical Implications

Improved Self-Management

The web-based intervention empowers individuals with SCI to better manage their bladder function and overall health through education, self-monitoring, and support.

Enhanced Quality of Life

By addressing common issues associated with intermittent catheterization, such as urinary tract infections and urine leakage, the intervention aims to improve the quality of life for users.

Wider Dissemination Potential

If proven feasible and effective, the intervention can be widely disseminated through a permanent website, reaching a larger population of intermittent catheter users.

Study Limitations

1
The research findings will be reported elsewhere in two other articles related to 1) the development of the web-based intervention (under peer review), and 2) testing its feasibility/ usability, with a full description of the sample and procedures (in progress, not submitted yet).
2
The intervention will be evaluated for feasibility and usability at the conclusion of the pilot study, which is currently in progress with 30 individuals with SCI.
3
The authors maintain copyright of the figures and tables, and therefore, the content should not be modified or used without permission of the first author.

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