A new urinary catheter-related quality of life instrument for adults

To develop and assess the measurement properties of a catheter-related quality of life (C-IQoL) instrument designed to support research with persons using long-term urinary catheter users who use indwelling urethral or suprapubic catheters permanently.

Testing was conducted in two small studies for psychometric qualities of reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and factor analysis. The initial instrument, which was modified after each study, was based on an International Continence Society (ICS) validated generic incontinence quality of life tool. ICS guidelines were used to develop content, including using descriptive and qualitative literature as well as and subjective/objective measures. Literature included content areas related to sexuality, embarrassment, and everyday catheter management.

A three-factor solution of subscales (management, interpersonal, and psychosocial) was created. The final instrument contains 22 items. Reliabilities were all satisfactory.

Quality of life continence instruments need to be device-specific to address appropriate and critical issues in randomized trials. For further development of a valid and reliable measure, continued collaboration is needed among researchers working with this population.