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Perceived barriers and difficulties of intermittent catheterization: In Korean patients with spinal dysraphism and their parents
Author(s) -
Lim SeoungWha,
Lee HahnEy,
Davis Monica,
Park Kwanjin
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
neurourology and urodynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1520-6777
pISSN - 0733-2467
DOI - 10.1002/nau.22716
Subject(s) - medicine , government (linguistics) , spinal dysraphism , outpatient clinic , family medicine , pediatrics , philosophy , linguistics , spina bifida
Aims Integrating regular intermittent catheterization (IC) into daily life is essential for good medical outcomes in patients with neurogenic bladders. The goal is to identify long‐term IC‐related barriers, or difficulties in Korean patients with spinal dysraphism and their parents. Methods The data were prospectively collected using questionnaires from spinal dysraphism patients from two sources: an online community, and those visiting the outpatient clinic of Seoul National university hospital. The questions included were barriers in general and school life, respectively. Also, an open question was included regarding suggestions for school managers or the government in order to overcome identified IC related difficulties. Results A total of 20 patients and 40 parents answered the questionnaire. Common barriers found in general life were related to lack of places, time, or helpers to perform IC. Substantial numbers of adolescent patients also complained that IC could not be adequately performed due to problems related to privacy or lack of understanding at school. However, the number and nature of barriers varied according to the developmental stage and school environments. Almost all IC barriers seemed to be significant in adolescence. Some parents requested that the government provide space and broaden insurance coverage of catheters in order to facilitate IC. Conclusions Various perceived barriers were identified in those who need IC and differences were demonstrated over time. Both dedicated space and time are issues. In addition, patients may benefit from emotional support and enhanced communication with community agencies and government to resolve the problems related with privacy. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:395–399, 2016 . © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.