[Inquiry among general practitioners' knowledge regarding clean intermittent self-catheterization]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• General Practice
• Medical Education

Background:

• Clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) is the standard for bladder voiding in urinary retention.
• General Practitioners (GPs) are crucial in monitoring patients undergoing CISC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current knowledge of GPs regarding CISC.
• To provide recommendations for managing CISC-related patient follow-up issues.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was distributed to 910 GPs in the Franche-Comté region.
• Data from 246 returned questionnaires were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 64% of GPs recommended 2-4 catheterizations daily.
• 90% advised perineal cleaning, but only 29% recommended sterile gloves.
• 87% identified UTIs as the primary complication; 30% routinely ordered urine cultures, and 29% prescribed antibiotics for colonization.

Conclusions:

• GPs need enhanced training on CISC's role in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• A practical guide was developed based on French Urology Association guidelines for preventing bacteriuria and UTIs.