Ramm, Dianne and Kane, Ros (2011) A qualitative study exploring the emotional responses of female patients learning to perform clean intermittent self-catheterisation. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 20 (21-22). pp. 3152-3162. ISSN 0962-1067

PDF http___authorservices_wiley_com_bauthor_onlineLibraryTPS_asp_DOI10_1111_j_1365-2702_2011_03779_xArticleID837306.pdf - Whole Document Restricted to Repository staff only Download (108Kb) | Request a copy

Abstract

Aim. This paper is a report of a study exploring the lived experiences and emotional responses of female patients learning to perform clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC). Background. There is general consensus that CISC should be considered in preference to in-dwelling catheterisation wherever feasible. Published literature has tended to focus on quality of life issues and technical and physical aspects. There has been less investigation into patients’ initial perceptions of CISC and into their subsequent experiences of learning the technique. Design. This qualitative study used a phenomenological research design. Method. Aseries ofsemi-structured, in-depth interviews were held with a purposive sample of adult female patients performing CISC aged 34–64 years. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using the ‘Framework’ method. Results. This study identified six recurrent themes: grief and loss, lack ofknowledge(regarding femaleanatomy,bladder dysfunction and catheters), negative associations and stigma, psychological aversion and embarrassment, nursing approaches and coping mechanisms. Conclusion. Loss of normal bladder function may represent a devastating event and trigger emotional responses associated with grief and loss. Patientsmayexperience a range of reactions whilst learning CISC, including embarrassment and aversion, which may not dissipate over time. However, psychological distress is not inevitable and varies enormously between individuals. The nursing approach is vital, as individualised, empathic care is recognised and valued. Relevance to clinical practice. This study adds to an emerging body of knowledge providing an enhanced understanding of the lived experiences of patients learning CISC. Nurses need to be alert to a range of potential emotional responses. This will facilitate the adoption of individualised teaching and learning strategies, designed to optimise the patient’s assimilation of CISC into their lifestyle, promoting physical health, psychological wellbeing and independent living.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Aim. This paper is a report of a study exploring the lived experiences and emotional responses of female patients learning to perform clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC). Background. There is general consensus that CISC should be considered in preference to in-dwelling catheterisation wherever feasible. Published literature has tended to focus on quality of life issues and technical and physical aspects. There has been less investigation into patients’ initial perceptions of CISC and into their subsequent experiences of learning the technique. Design. This qualitative study used a phenomenological research design. Method. Aseries ofsemi-structured, in-depth interviews were held with a purposive sample of adult female patients performing CISC aged 34–64 years. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using the ‘Framework’ method. Results. This study identified six recurrent themes: grief and loss, lack ofknowledge(regarding femaleanatomy,bladder dysfunction and catheters), negative associations and stigma, psychological aversion and embarrassment, nursing approaches and coping mechanisms. Conclusion. Loss of normal bladder function may represent a devastating event and trigger emotional responses associated with grief and loss. Patientsmayexperience a range of reactions whilst learning CISC, including embarrassment and aversion, which may not dissipate over time. However, psychological distress is not inevitable and varies enormously between individuals. The nursing approach is vital, as individualised, empathic care is recognised and valued. Relevance to clinical practice. This study adds to an emerging body of knowledge providing an enhanced understanding of the lived experiences of patients learning CISC. Nurses need to be alert to a range of potential emotional responses. This will facilitate the adoption of individualised teaching and learning strategies, designed to optimise the patient’s assimilation of CISC into their lifestyle, promoting physical health, psychological wellbeing and independent living.
Keywords:	bladder dysfunction, clean intermittent self-catheterisation, female catheterisation, incontinence, phenomenology
Subjects:	B Subjects allied to Medicine > B700 Nursing
Divisions:	College of Social Sciences > Faculty of Health & Social Sciences > Lincoln School of Health & Social Care
Depositing User:	Alison Wilson
Date Deposited:	24 Oct 2011 22:09
Last Modified:	13 Mar 2013 09:03
URI:	http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/id/eprint/4757

Actions (login required)

View Item