Teaching Patients Self-Catheterization

Remain sensitive to the patient perspective

Urology healthcare professionals are comfortable discussing what most patients consider to be very private matters. It is helpful to keep their perspective and circumstances in mind during training. For example, consider:

• Learning how to pass a catheter successfully can be very scary for patients. It may cause much anxiety.
• Patients with a physical disability may find passing the catheter more challenging.
• We are asking patients to perform a task that requires them to possibly expose their genitalia to unknown health care providers, family, or friends. This exposure can be very embarrassing to them.

Tips and tools for instruction

• Time - Be prepared to take your time teaching the patient. If possible, adjust your schedule in advance so that the instruction is not rushed.
• Support - Involve the support system in the training if possible. Teaching a trusted care giver how to catheterize the patient makes provision for times when the patient may not be successful at passing the catheter independently. Additionally, including a supportive care giver in the training can significantly reduce anxiety in the patient.
• Resources - Anatomical models, clinical charts, and online resources may be helpful for instruction. Some catheter manufacturers offer free patient education resources that are based on input from healthcare professionals.
• Return demonstrate - Having the patient return demonstrate each step can help identify issues that might prevent the patient from performing self-catheterization. Problem solving during instruction helps reduce anxiety and increase success.

We're committed to forever caring for our patients, their caregivers and the healthcare professionals who care for them. We know patients will have questions once they leave your office. That's why we have a team of product specialists and dedicated nurses on staff to surround patients with the education, support, and resources they need to feel empowered throughout their cathing journey. Our program is designed and customized to provide the right support at the right time.