A Clarification of the Concept of Clean Intermittent Catheterization Adherence Using the Evolutionary Method

Background and Purpose: Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) nonadherence may lead to renal compromise, incontinence, and frequent urinary tract infections in patients with spinal cord injury and spinal dysraphism. Adherence to CIC lacks definition in the nursing literature despite implications for research and clinical practice, including patient education. The aim of this concept analysis was to analyze how CIC adherence is conceptualized and synthesize a definition for nursing. Method: Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis method was used to analyze the concept of CIC adherence in patients and caregivers. We searched databases to identify studies describing CIC adherence and identified common attributes, antecedents, and consequences. A definition was synthesized, and an exemplar was developed to illustrate the concept in practice. Results: Sixteen sources were analyzed. The attributes of CIC adherence were initiation, execution, including prescribed process and prescribed frequency, and persistence. Antecedents included the presence of neurogenic bladder, acceptance, and engagement. Consequences included improved health outcomes and quality of life. Implications for Practice: Adherence to CIC lacks definition in the nursing literature despite implications for research and clinical practice. A unified definition of CIC adherence will facilitate nurses' efforts to plan effective care, anticipate support barriers and opportunities, and develop strategies for improving CIC adherence.