Teaching Children Cic In A Group Setting

PURPOSE Clean Intermittent Catheterisation (CIC) is a complicated skill. For a small group of children it remains difficult to learn. For them we developed a multidisciplinary group wise approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS To teach children to perform CIC the nurse practitioner uses a step by step approach in combination with an instruction model in an outpatient's setting. For some children it remains difficult to learn. For them we developed an additional approach. Small groups of children, age 7-12 and their parents are consulting our clinic during 6 meetings. The group training is given by a pediatric -nurse practioner, -physiotherapist and -psychologist. In a tell-show-do method each intervention is instructed group wise. The actual CIC is performed individually within a private setting. Important elements of the training are: - sharing of mastery and difficulties with other children and their parents - cognitive restructuring to enhance understanding and motivation - handling and try out of the devices - relaxing as a response on physical stress - supporting parental guidance well-adjusted to the own child. RESULTS The preliminary results of 7 children treated group wise are positive. Children are less anxious and are cooperative to learn CIC. Parents can share their difficulties to address their child at home and are given suggestions to help their children with CIC. CONCLUSIONS Group interactions and a multidisciplinary approach seem to be of great help in learning CIC for a special selection of children and parents at the moment.