Time needed to perform intermittent catheterization in adults with spinal cord injury: A pilot randomized controlled cross-over study

Background: Intermittent catheterization (IC), considered the gold standard for bladder management for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) with sufficient dexterity, is usually performed using hydrophilic (HPC) or non-hydrophilic (non-HPC) catheters. Currently, there is no evidence on the temporal burden associated with IC with either catheter. Objective: To compare both catheters regarding their time requirement for IC and participant satisfaction. Design, setting and participants: Twenty individuals with chronic (>1-year) SCI at any spinal segment were randomized to undergo two cross-over assessments within 10 days (i.e., either starting with HPC or non-HPC). We measured time taken to perform IC using a 13 step pre-determined IC protocol (e.g., enter bathroom, wash hands, transfer to toilet, etc.). Furthermore, we assessed user satisfaction of both catheters using a Likert scale (i.e., strongly agree=5, strongly disagree=1). Outcome measures and statistical analysis: Time (i.e., for each step and in total) to perform IC and participant satisfaction were compared between catheters using non-parametric statistics, i.e., Wilcoxon rank sign tests. Results are presented as median with interquartile range. Results and limitations: Participants using HPCs spent less time to prepare a catheter [15 s (10-20) vs. 41 (20-69), p=0.002] and overall to perform IC [283 s (242-352) vs. 373 (249-441), p=0.01] compared to non-HPCs. Moreover, participants rated the preparation of HPCs to be easier [5 (4-5) vs. 4 (2-4), p=0.047] compared to non-HPCs. The key limitation of this pilot study was the sample size. Conclusions: Preparation and usage of HPCs for IC is easier and faster compared to non-HPCs. IC can be a significant temporal burden for SCI individuals. Patient summary: We compared coated and uncoated catheters on time needed for intermittent catheterization and user satisfaction in individuals with spinal cord injury. Participants can manually empty their bladder quicker and easier with coated compared to uncoated catheters.