Patients' quality of life and clean intermittent self-catheterization.

This article examines the available literature surrounding the procedure of clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) and its impact on patients' quality of life. Many articles have been written about, and much research has been carried out into, the practicalities of performing CISC regarding dexterity, disability, etc, and its advantages and disadvantages related to infection rates and complications. However, there appear to be very few articles addressing the day-to-day problems that having to perform CISC presents to patients. While many articles do acknowledge that CISC improved patients' quality of life, very few go on to identify and discuss the daily life activities that are impacted upon by having to perform the procedure. There is a need for further research from patients' perspectives: to identify the issues that they have in living with this inconvenience and in order for carers to understand fully the implications of CISC on a patient's quality of life. With this insight, carers will be better armed to help patients overcome their fears and be more supportive in the ongoing care of the patient. Non-compliance is the main reason for patients' inability to perform CISC and with a better understanding of the problems, carers will be able to give practical help and support.