Adaptive equipment to assist with one-handed intermittent self-catheterization: a case study of a patient with...

Intermittent self-catheterization is common for patients who have neurogenic bladder associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Intermittent self-catheterization is considered the gold standard for bladder drainage because of the significantly decreased incidence of urinary tract infection in comparison with other catheterization methods. Occupational therapists educate patients in how to complete intermittent self-catheterization and assist them with adaptive equipment so that they may catheterize themselves independently. This case study describes adaptive equipment fabricated to allow a male patient with TBI who was independent with intermittent self-catheterization to continue independent intermittent self-catheterization after a second injury resulting in hemiplegia. Without the use of his left hand, the patient could not complete self-catheterization; therefore, a trough-shaped prop was fabricated to maintain the penis in an upright, lengthened position.