Intermittent urethral catheterization—descriptive study at a Brazilian service

Abstract Aims and background The rehabilitation process of patients with neurogenic bladder involves psychosocial, cultural, political and economic human factors, representing a challenge for patients/caregivers as well as health professionals. This study was aimed at characterizing patients with neurogenic bladder who use intermittent urethral catheterization and were going through rehabilitation at a teaching hospital. Method This descriptive study was undertaken in the interior of Sao Paulo State–Brazil. All ethical guidelines were complied with. To collect the data, interviews were held during nursing consultations with patients more than 18 years of age suffering from neurogenic bladder who used intermittent urethral catheterization. Results Most patients had spinal cord trauma, are single, male and gain a low income. They have been using catheterization for several years, at irregular frequencies, using polyethylene catheters. Conclusions No standardization exists in the accomplishment of the practices used and strategies are needed to remodel the service.