Reuse of intermittent catheters: a qualitative study of IC users' perspectives.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To explore the views of intermittent catheter (IC) users regarding the advantages and disadvantages of single-use or reuse of catheters.

Design

Qualitative study with semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Setting

Participant's own homes in Hampshire and Dorset, UK.

Participants

A convenience sample of 39 IC users, aged 23-86 years, using IC for at least 3 months.

Results

The analysis revealed four main themes: concerns regarding risk of urinary tract infection (UTI); cleaning, preparation and storage; social responsibility; practicalities and location. The main concern was safety, with the fear that reuse could increase risk of UTI compared with single-use sterile catheters. If shown t

SUBMITTER: Avery M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6104744 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature