Intermittent catheterization performed by home caregivers

Abstract

This descriptive and exploratory study aims at evaluating intermittent catheterization performed by caregivers to users registered at the Home Care Service in Betim, Minas Gerais. Data was collected through interviews and observation of the catheterization technique during home visits to six patients. The latter were predominantly female, aged between 9 and 44 years, who depended on catheterization due to neurogenic bladder caused by spinal trauma, myelomeningocele or leukaemia. Caregivers were usually female (either mother or sister) aged between 29 and 57 years. With regards to catheterization, results show that caregivers followed standard procedures concerning hands and urinary meatus hygiene, use of gloves and lubricants, storage and reuse of catheters. Public health system offered little support to home care; its main role was to provide nursing supplies. The detection of urinary tract infection in most of the patients indicates the need of health care education rather than only technical training for caregivers. The study concludes that the nurse, as health care agent, must promote IC training and actions that implicate the health care team, the caregiver and the user in the process.