Bladder Emptying Strategies, Active Follow-up Adherence and Barriers in Post-Discharge Spinal Cord Injury individuals: A Multiple Center Cross-Sectional Study

Patient Preference and Adherence, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S509537 · Published: March 17, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Patient Experience

Simple Explanation

This study explores how people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) manage their bladder issues (NLUTD) after leaving the hospital, and how well they stick to their follow-up appointments. The study found that many individuals do not attend regular follow-up appointments, which is concerning because consistent follow-up care is important for preventing complications and maintaining quality of life. The research highlights factors like financial constraints, lack of knowledge about their condition, and difficulty accessing specialists as key reasons why people with SCI and bladder issues may not attend follow-up visits.

Study Duration

4 Months

Participants

412 SCI individuals with NLUTD

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
CIC is the preferred method for bladder emptying, especially among individuals with thoracic and lumbar SCI.
2
Adherence to follow-up care among Chinese SCI participants with NLUTD was notably insufficient.
3
Financial constraints were the primary factors impacting follow-up adherence.

Research Summary

This study evaluated bladder management and follow-up adherence among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). The research revealed insufficient follow-up adherence, influenced by age, injury level, and availability of travel companions. The study emphasizes the need for improved health education, healthcare systems, and financial support to enhance follow-up adherence and long-term management of NLUTD.

Practical Implications

Improve Health Education

Enhance health education accessibility to improve patient understanding of NLUTD and the importance of follow-up care.

Optimize Healthcare Services

Optimize healthcare service delivery to reduce barriers such as complex referral procedures and scarcity of local specialists.

Provide Financial Support

Offer comprehensive financial support to high-risk groups to alleviate the economic burden of disease management and follow-up care.

Study Limitations

1
The study was primarily executed by neurorehabilitation practitioners, potentially introducing bias.
2
The surveyed sample may not fully represent all individuals with SCI and NLUTD.
3
The multiple-answer format for barriers complicates statistical comparisons.

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