Teaching patients clean intermittent self-catheterisation: key points

Abstract

Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is recognised as the gold standard for the treatment of neurological bladders. ISC involves the introduction of a catheter by the patient into the bladder and its immediate removal when drainage stops. This process needs to be repeated four to six times a day. Therapeutic patient education (TPE) is commonly used nowadays to treat and care for patients with chronic disease. Community nurses can play an active role in introducing ISC to patients and teaching them to perform it. This review emphasises the important points to consider when teaching patients ISC.