Document Type

Article (Restricted)

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Abstract

Study design: Qualitative study using individual in-depth interviews. Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the factors influencing the choice of bladder management for male patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: Public hospitals in Malaysia. Methods: Semistructured (one-on-one) interviews of 17 patients with SCI; 7 were in-patients with a recent injury and 10 lived in the community. All had a neurogenic bladder and were on various methods of bladder drainage. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analyses. Results: The choice of bladder management was influenced by treatment attributes, patients' physical and psychological attributes, health practitioners' influences and social attributes. Participants were more likely to choose a treatment option that was perceived to be convenient to execute and helped maintain continence. The influence of potential treatment complications on decision making was more variable. Health professionals' and peers' opinions on treatment options had a significant influence on participants' decision. In addition, patients' choices depended on their physical ability to carry out the task, the level of family support received and the anticipated level of social activities. Psychological factors such as embarrassment with using urine bags, confidence in self-catheterization and satisfaction with the current method also influenced the choice of bladder management method. Conclusion: The choice of bladder management in people with SCI is influenced by a variety of factors and must be individualized. Health professionals should consider these factors when supporting patients in making decisions about their treatment options.

Keywords

Decision making urinary catheterization peer group neurogenic bladder qualitative research individuals

Divisions

fac_med

Publication Title

Spinal Cord

Volume

52

Issue

2

Additional Information

ISI Document Delivery No.: AA4RC Times Cited: 0 Cited Reference Count: 21 Engkasan, J. P. Ng, C. J. Low, W. Y. BKP Grant from University of Malaya, Malaysia BKP002-2012A We thank the Director of Health Malaysia for permission to publish this paper. The study was funded by the BKP Grant from University of Malaya, Malaysia (BKP002-2012A). Nature publishing group London

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