The temporal burden of preparing catheters for re-use in adults with spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional study

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-023-00596-0 · Published: August 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how much time and effort it takes for adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI) to clean catheters for reuse, a common practice despite recommendations for single-use catheters. The study found that cleaning catheters is more time-consuming and difficult for people with more severe SCI, especially those with limited upper body motor function. The amount of time spent cleaning catheters could negatively affect the overall quality of life for individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

20 adults with chronic SCI (10 tetraplegia, 10 paraplegia)

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Preparing catheters for re-use is time-intensive and difﬁcult for people with higher SCI level, severity and more pronounced upper limb motor impairment.
2
Significant between-group differences were observed for total cleaning time (Group 1 = 1584.1 ± 179.8 s; Group 2 = 1321.0 ± 93.8 s, p = 0.004) and perceived difﬁculty [Group 1 = 2.6 (2, 3); Group 2 = 2 (1.7, 2.3), p = 0.028].
3
UEMS emerged as an independent predictor of total cleaning time (R2 = 0.745, β = −0.833, p ≤0.001).

Research Summary

This cross-sectional study examined the temporal burden associated with cleaning catheters for re-use among adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study revealed that individuals with tetraplegia spent significantly more time cleaning catheters compared to those with paraplegia, and they also perceived the cleaning process as more difficult. Upper extremity motor score (UEMS) was identified as an independent predictor of total cleaning time, highlighting the impact of motor impairment on the catheter cleaning process.

Practical Implications

Impact on Quality of Life

The substantial time commitment required for catheter cleaning may negatively impact the overall quality of life for individuals with SCI.

Need for Alternative Solutions

The findings suggest a need for alternative bladder management strategies that reduce the temporal burden and difficulty associated with catheter re-use.

Focus on Upper Limb Function

Interventions aimed at improving upper limb function may help to reduce the time and effort required for catheter cleaning.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size may limit generalizability of the results.
2
The study design cannot provide a causal link between SCI-related upper extremity impairment and catheter cleaning time.
3
Other confounders which may inﬂuence total cleaning time were not accounted for as covariates in the regression models due to the limited sample size recruited for this study.

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