[Evaluation of management of patients under clean intermittent catheterization by general practitioners]

Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC) is the method of choice for bladder emptying in patients having bladder emptying disorders, acquired or pharmacologically induced, whether it is neurologically related or not. The aim of this study is to assess the theoretical and practical knowledge of general practitioners (GP) on CIC.

Observational prospective study (anonymous online questionnaire) was conducted with 224 GP between March and April 2020. Each physician had to complete a questionnaire about the definition of CIC, its indications and usage, the indications of urine culture, antibiotic therapy, and the complications of this method of drainage.

Only 18.3% of GP that took part in the study gave an exact definition of CIC. As to the importance of it, 67.9% responded that it protects the upper urinary tract and 37.1% that it prevents urinary tract infections (UTI). Fifty-two per cent of physicians were unaware of the regular frequency at which it should carry out a day. Fifty eight percent prescribed sterile gloves and 57.1% an antiseptic. UTI was considered as the main complication of CIC by 87.1% of physicians and 35.7% requested a systematic urine culture for patients under CIC. For patients with an asymptomatic bacteriuria, 65.6% of GP prescribed antibiotic therapy.

GP need to improve their knowledge of SIP, its framework, indications, modalities, and the way to deal with colonization or urinary tract infection. This will improve the management of impacted patients.