Patient satisfaction, quality of life, and catheter-related complications in long-term urinary catheter users: a nationwide survey

Purpose:

To compare patient satisfaction, quality of life, catheter-related complications between three types of catheterization in long-term urinary catheter users. To improve clinical decision-making for long-term urinary catheter users. 

Methods: 

A nationwide survey study was conducted from August to September 2024. Patients who apply clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), have an urethral indwelling catheter (IDC), or a suprapubic catheter (SPC), were identified through the MediReva database, a Dutch medical supplier. The survey was developed by structured consensus meeting and consisted of the ICIq-LTCqol and the EQ-5D-5 L.

Results: 

3320 patients participated in the study (response rate 33%). 2634 performed CIC, 383 had an IDC, and 303 had an SPC. 75.9% was male and the mean age was 72 years. CIC patients reported the best patient satisfaction and QoL scores. When corrected for multiple confounders IDC and SPC were independently associated with lower patient satisfaction and QoL scores. There was no difference in UTI incidence in the last 6 months between the groups. 

Conclusions: 

This study shows differences in patient satisfaction, QoL and, catheter-related complications between three types of catheterization. Healthcare providers should be aware of the impact of bladder drainage methods on the patient satisfaction and QoL, especially for those using an IDC or SPC. This information can be of added value in the decision-making process of long-term bladder management.