Reusable Intermittent Catheters are Acceptable but Product Innovation is Needed: An Interview Study of Catheter Users' Experiences.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of intermittent catheter users after using both reusable and single-use catheters, with a particular focus on factors that affected acceptability.

Design: Qualitative descriptive study following a clinical trial.

Participants and setting: Thirty-six participants who had used both reusable and single-use catheters in a clinical trial were interviewed between June 2022 and March 2024. All were living at home in England or Wales, UK.

Methods: Participants were invited to interview following one-year's use of a reusable catheter as part of a clinical trial. The reusable catheter was used in combination with their usual single-use catheter. Semi-structured telephone and video interviews were used to enable participants to describe their experiences. Data were analyzed using inductive methods and framework analysis to develop themes and subthemes.

Results: Data analysis identified 4 themes. Successful use of the reusable catheter depended on capacity, confidence and willingness of the individual to adapt. Most people found reuse easier to do at home but there were significant barriers when going out. The design of the catheter used in the trial and the process of reuse did not suit everyone. While there was a desire to continue reuse, this was conditional on the provision of single-use catheters to enable users to mix and match both types in different situations.

Conclusions: This study presents data from participants who were enthusiastic to try reusable catheters, mainly for environmental reasons, as part of a trial. For most there was a desire to mix and match, combining single use and reusable catheters for different situations. Innovation is needed to create a range of reusable catheter designs and cleaning processes that better meet individual needs.