Caroline A Miller1, Michael J Kennelly2,3. 1. Department of Urology, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA. caroline.a.miller@atriumhealth.org. 2. Department of Urology, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA. 3. Carolinas Rehabilitation Center, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: Online survey distributed to healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in care of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). OBJECTIVES: Identify and bring awareness to the variation of neurogenic bladder management in around the world. SETTING: International online questionnaire. METHODS: A 32-question survey was drafted and circulated among a global network of SCI experts for review. The survey was disseminated to healthcare professionals involved in the care of NLUTD in SCI patients via social media, grassroots methods, and international societies. The survey was available for 6 weeks and respondents answered questions regarding SCI population demographics, access to care, common neurogenic bladder management, diagnostic and imaging methods, complications, and follow up. RESULTS: A total of 296 healthcare professionals, 132 from North America, 87 from Europe, 27 from Asia, 24 from Australia, 14 from South America, and 6 from Africa, responded to the survey. Global concurrence was noted among management method for patients without adequate hand function, first-line treatment for neurogenic detrusor overactivity, and common complications. Continents highly differed in responses regarding management method for patients with adequate hand function, frequency of patients reusing catheters, timing of urodynamics, and duration of antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this international survey demonstrate the variability and uniqueness in neurogenic bladder management in SCI patients around the world. Increased international discourse and education will improve global communication and transparency with the efforts of reducing discrepancies in care.
STUDY DESIGN: Online survey distributed to healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in care of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). OBJECTIVES: Identify and bring awareness to the variation of neurogenic bladder management in around the world. SETTING: International online questionnaire. METHODS: A 32-question survey was drafted and circulated among a global network of SCI experts for review. The survey was disseminated to healthcare professionals involved in the care of NLUTD in SCI patients via social media, grassroots methods, and international societies. The survey was available for 6 weeks and respondents answered questions regarding SCI population demographics, access to care, common neurogenic bladder management, diagnostic and imaging methods, complications, and follow up. RESULTS: A total of 296 healthcare professionals, 132 from North America, 87 from Europe, 27 from Asia, 24 from Australia, 14 from South America, and 6 from Africa, responded to the survey. Global concurrence was noted among management method for patients without adequate hand function, first-line treatment for neurogenic detrusor overactivity, and common complications. Continents highly differed in responses regarding management method for patients with adequate hand function, frequency of patients reusing catheters, timing of urodynamics, and duration of antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this international survey demonstrate the variability and uniqueness in neurogenic bladder management in SCI patients around the world. Increased international discourse and education will improve global communication and transparency with the efforts of reducing discrepancies in care.
Authors: Alessandra Mazzo; Valtuir D Souza-Junior; Beatriz M Jorge; Aline Nassif; Cintia F B Biaziolo; Marcelo F Cassini; Raquel C R Santos; Isabel Amélia Costa Mendes Journal: Appl Nurs Res Date: 2013-12-19 Impact factor: 2.257