Time-Related Changes in Patient Reported Bladder Symptoms and Satisfaction after Spinal Cord Injury.

PURPOSE: Increased time after spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with a migration to bladder managements with higher morbidity such as indwelling catheter (IDC). Still, it is unclear how this affects bladder-related quality of life (QoL). We hypothesized that time from injury (TFI) would be associated with changes in bladder management, symptoms and satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of time-related changes in patient-reported bladder management, symptoms and satisfaction using the Neurogenic Bladder Research Group SCI Registry. Outcomes included Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS) and bladder-related satisfaction (NBSS-satisfaction). Multivariable regression was performed to assess associations between TFI and outcomes, adjusting for participant characteristics, injury specifics, and psychosocial aspects of health-related QoL. Participants with TFI <1 year were excluded and TFI was categorized 1-5 (reference), 6-10, 11-15, 16-20 and >20 years. RESULTS: Of 1,420 participants mean age at injury was 29.7 years (SD 13.4) and mean TFI was 15.2 years (SD 11.6). Participants grouped by TFI included 298 (21%) 1-5, 340 (24%) 6-10, 198 (14%) 11-15, 149 (10%) 16-20 and 435 (31%) >20 years. As TFI increased, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) declined (55% 1-5 vs 45% >20 years, p <0.001) and IDC increased (16% 1-5 vs 21% >20 years, p <0.001). On multivariable analysis, increased TFI was associated with fewer bladder symptoms at >20 years from injury (-3.21 [CI -1.29, -5.14, p <0.001]) and better satisfaction (6-10 years -0.20 [CI -0.41, 0.01, p=0.070], 11-15 years -0.36 [CI -0.60, -0.11, p=0.002], 16-20 years -0.59 [CI -0.86, -0.32, p <0.001], >20 years -0.85 [CI -1.07, -0.63, <0.001]). CONCLUSIONS: After SCI, CIC decreases and IDC increases over time; however, increasing TFI is associated with reduced urinary symptoms and improved bladder-related satisfaction.

Barriers affecting patient adherence to intermittent self-catheterisation.

Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is now considered the standard of care for most patients with neurological conditions and associated lower urinary tract disorders. Numerous societies, led by the International Continence Society, are in agreement on the effectiveness of ISC. Use of intermittent catheters is reported to reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection compared with indwelling urinary catheters while improving patient comfort and quality of life. However, previous studies have shown that, despite the benefits of ISC, it will not guarantee behavior change and the integration of this procedure into the daily life of patients. Patients may encounter internal (related to the patient themselves) and external (related to their environment) difficulties. Identifying these obstacles early will help promoting ISC success. This review aims to identify internal and external barriers related to ISC and to propose adequate solutions to avoid them.

Impact of the route of clean intermittent catheterization on quality of life in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction.

AIMS: To compare the impact of the different routes for clean intermittent catheterization on the quality of life of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, all children and adolescents under treatment in our clinic from August 2011 to May 2012 who were on CIC for bladder dysfunction were included. To evaluate the technical difficulty and the discomfort associated with the procedure we used a standard visual analog scale. Quality of life was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0. RESULTS: A total of 70 children including 38 (54.3%) boys and 32 (45.7%) girls with a mean age of 11.8 ± 3.6 years (range 5 to 18 years) were evaluated. The mean daily number of catheterizations was 4.2 ± 1.1. CIC was performed through the urethra in 51 (72.9%) subjects and a stoma in 19 (27.1%). A 45 (64.3%) were assisted by a caregiver to perform a catheterization. No differences in both difficulty and discomfort for performing CIC were observed between groups. Children who performed CIC through a stoma had a better quality of life scores for the physical (P = 0.015) and social functioning domains (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The quality of life of children and adolescents performing CIC appears to be affected by the route of catheterization, with a worse performance for those using urethral catheterization.

Social Determinants of Health in the lives of urinary catheter users.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the influence of social determinants of health on the life conditions of patients who use intermittent urinary catheters. METHOD: This was a descriptive study conducted in a rehabilitation center with 243 neurogenic bladder patients who used clear intermittent urinary catheters. The study was carried out between March 2012 and October 2015, using interviews based on semi-structured instruments, and data analysis using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Most of the patients were men, between 16 and 64 years old, single, with an elementary education level, and a monthly household income of 2 to 3 minimum wages. The results show that the social determinants of health were related to socioeconomic, demographic, and health factors. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a complex relationship between social determinants of health and the life conditions of patients who use clean intermittent urinary catheters, presenting greater vulnerability related to some aspects of health conditions.

Social Determinants of Health in the lives of urinary catheter users / Determinantes Sociales de Salud en la vida de usuarios de cateterismo urinario / Determinantes Sociais de Saúde na vida de usuários de cateterismo urinário

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the influence of social determinants of health on the life conditions of patients who use intermittent urinary catheters. Method: This was a descriptive study conducted in a rehabilitation center with 243 neurogenic bladder patients who used clear intermittent urinary catheters. The study was carried out between March 2012 and October 2015, using interviews based on semi-structured instruments, and data analysis using descriptive statistics. Results: Most of the patients were men, between 16 and 64 years old, single, with an elementary education level, and a monthly household income of 2 to 3 minimum wages. The results show that the social determinants of health were related to socioeconomic, demographic, and health factors. Conclusion: The findings indicate a complex relationship between social determinants of health and the life conditions of patients who use clean intermittent urinary catheters, presenting greater vulnerability related to some aspects of health conditions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar la influencia de factores de los determinantes sociales de salud en las condiciones de vida de pacientes usuarios de cateterismo urinario intermitente. Método: Investigación descriptiva realizada en centro de Rehabilitación. Participaron 243 pacientes con vejiga neurogénica, usuarios de cateterismo urinario intermitente limpio. Estudio realizado entre marzo de 2012 y octubre de 2015, aplicando entrevista apoyada por instrumento semiestructurado, y análisis por estadística descriptiva. Resultados: La mayoría de los pacientes era de sexo masculino, edad entre 16 y 64 años, solteros, con enseñanza primaria e ingresos familiares entre 2 y 3 salarios mínimos. Los determinantes sociales de salud encontrados estuvieron relacionados a aspectos socioeconómicos, demográficos y condiciones de salud. Conclusión: Los hallazgos señalan una compleja relación entre los determinantes sociales de salud y las condiciones de vida de estos pacientes usuarios de cateterismo urinario intermitente limpio, presentando vulnerabilidad en relación a algunos aspectos de las condiciones de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a influência de fatores dos determinantes sociais de saúde nas condições de vida de pacientes usuários de cateterismo urinário intermitente. Método: Pesquisa descritiva realizada em um Centro de Reabilitação com 243 pacientes com bexiga neurogênica, usuários de cateterismo urinário intermitente limpo. O período do estudo foi de março/2012 a outubro/2015, utilizando-se entrevista com apoio de um instrumento semiestruturado e análise por estatística descritiva. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes era do gênero masculino, idade entre 16 e 64 anos, solteiros, com ensino fundamental e renda familiar mensal de 2 a 3 salários mínimos. Os determinantes sociais de saúde encontrados foram relacionados aos aspectos socioeconômicos, demográficos e condições de saúde. Conclusão: Os achados assinalam para uma complexa relação entre os determinantes sociais de saúde e as condições de vida desses pacientes usuários de cateterismo urinário intermitente limpo, apresentando uma vulnerabilidade com relação a alguns aspectos das condições de saúde.

Intermittent Catheterization Adherence Scale (ICAS): A new tool for the evaluation of patient adherence with clean intermittent self-catheterization.

AIM: Patients who have successfully acquired the intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) technique can be expected to use it on a long-term basis. The aim of the present study is to present a validated evaluation scale, referred to as the ICAS (Intermittent Catheterization Adherence Scale), which can be used to assess long-term patient adherence to prescribed ISC treatment. METHODS: The scale was validated in neurologic and non neurologic patients in an experienced French neurourology center, between September 2014 and February 2016. Eight items were chosen, providing a relatively objective insight into the degree to which patients reduce the frequency of their ISC procedures. Various factors, including the patients' understanding of the procedure, its relevance to their specific condition, as well as their acceptance of its psychological and inherently time-consuming drawbacks, were evaluated. The ISC construct validity and reproducibility, based on internal test-retest consistency and test-retest reliability, were measured using the Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The ICAS was validated in 222 patients (133 females, 89 males, mean age 53 ± 11 years). The patients' comprehension of the questions was found to be good, and the questionnaire was well accepted. Cronbach's alpha was 0.73. The ICC test-retest consistency was also found to be good. CONCLUSION: The ICAS is a simple, acceptable, valid and reproducible test, and in some cases it may facilitate the medical follow-up of ISC patients. In the clinical environment, it is found to be a valuable tool, which can assist medical staff in the prevention of complications related to ISC non-compliance.

Factors Influencing the Use of Intermittent Bladder Catheterization by Individuals With Spina Bifida in Brazil and Germany.

PURPOSE: Intermittent catheterization (IC) often is essential for individuals with spina bifida/myelomeningocele (SBM) and neurogenic bladder. This study aimed to identify and analyze the factors that influence the use of IC. DESIGN AND METHODS: Descriptive study with convenience sampling. Data were collected using printed (Brazil) and online (Germany) questionnaires, and analyzed using multivariate logistical regression and analysis of variance. The study included 100 Brazilian and 100 German patients, aged 0-55 years, with SBM who utilized IC. FINDINGS: Intermittent catheterization was used by 188 of the 200 patients. Three variables were important for predicting who did or did not use IC: no discontinuation of IC, absence of technical difficulty, and daily frequency of IC. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggest that difficulties with IC use experienced by spina bifida patients and their family members that predicted full discontinuation tended to be personal variables, rather than demographic or medical characteristics.

Impact of clean intermittent catheterization on quality adjusted life years (QALYs) in spinal cord injury patients with neurogenic urinary incontinence.

AIMS: The impact of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) on quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained in adults' spinal cord injury population with neurogenic urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS: Patients were recruited from the national registry January-June 2014. The inclusion criteria were adults, neurogenic UI due to spinal cord injury (SCI), use of collection devices and CIC for more than 6 months. The exclusion criteria were inability to perform CIC, cancer of the lower urinary tract and fistulas formation. Measurement tools were the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) and an estimation of life expectancy by the national registry. The calculation of the weighting factor (WF) was obtained by linear transformation of the ICIQ-UI SF total score. A score was transformed to the range from 0 (worst impact) to 1 (no impact). The QALYs was calculated as the weighting factor × life expectancy in years. RESULTS: A total of 229/365 patients were involved in this study (63%). Patients before CIC reached an ICIQ mean score of 14.83, WF of 0.29, and QALYs of 9.02 during life expectancy. After 6 months of follow-up using CIC, ICIQ reached 9.12, WF 0.57 and QALYs 17.45. The number of QALYs increased by 93.5% and UI evaluated with the ICIQ-UI SF decreased by 38.5% (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The CIC of the urinary bladder statistically significantly increased the number of QALYs and reduced the degree of UI in SCI patients.

Intermittent catheterization acceptance test (I-CAT): A tool to evaluate the global acceptance to practice clean intermittent self-catheterization.

AIM: In certain cases, a patient's anxiety, fear, or misconceptions can represent significant obstacles to the learning of Clean Intermittent Self Catheterization (CISC), and little is known about these psychological barriers. The aim of the present study is thus to construct and validate an "Intermittent Catheterization Acceptance Test (I-CAT)" to evaluate the psychological acceptance of CISC. METHODS: A study was carried out in nine neuro-rehabilitation and urology departments in French university hospitals. Fifty-five items were identified, following a comprehensive review of the literature and cognitive debriefing interviews with patients. Following an initial expert panel meeting (EPM) with a French-speaking neuro-urology study group (GENULF), this list was refined and reduced to a draft I-CAT comprising 34 items. The face validity of the draft I-CAT was determined, and the results were then analyzed in a second EPM, leading to the elaboration of a second version of the I-CAT (23 items, 5 dimensions). Psychometric validation of this second version was established from a longitudinal, non-randomized study involving 201 neurological and non-neurological patients. Linguistic validation was carried out in English. RESULTS: Following the construct validity analyses, several items were deleted due to item overlap, ceiling effects, or poor content validity and 14 items were retained. Confirmatory factor analysis shows that this version has 2 dimensions. Cronbach's alpha was 0.93. The ICC demonstrated good test-retest reliability and satisfactory responsiveness. CONCLUSION: The upstream identification and solving of potential psychological barriers prior to the learning of CISC could improve patients' acceptance of this procedure.

Patients With Spina Bifida and Their Caregivers' Feelings About Intermittent Bladder Catheterization in Brazil and Germany: A Correlational Study.

A major complication for individuals with spina bifida (SB) is managing their neurogenic bladder. For many, this process evokes negative feelings associated with guilt, dependence, and lack of self-worth. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare feelings that hinder the performing of intermittent bladder catheterization reported by individuals with SB and their families in two countries of different sociocultural characteristics: Brazil and Germany. DESIGN AND METHODS: Quantitative and comparative study with convenience sampling. The sample comprised 200 SB patients and their caregivers, 100 from Brazil and 100 from Germany. FINDINGS: When asked about the existence of negative feelings or ideas that may hinder the performance of key person responsible for IC, 155 (77.5%) participants did not report such feelings. On the other hand, 45 (22.5%) reported emotional difficulties; among these participants, 31 (69%) were Brazilians and 14 (31%) were Germans. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although emotional factors are important to the adjustment of using IC methods for bladder management, the majority of people with SB and their caregivers seem to report no major emotional difficulties with this process. Yet a considerable group of participants did report such emotional difficulties associated with fear and shame. Knowing more about the factors associated with such negative feelings can facilitate interactions, provide mutual aid, and assist with resolution of practical concerns related to intermittent bladder catheterization.

Perceived barriers and difficulties of intermittent catheterization: In Korean patients with spinal dysraphism and their parents.

AIMS: Integrating regular intermittent catheterization (IC) into daily life is essential for good medical outcomes in patients with neurogenic bladders. The goal is to identify long-term IC-related barriers, or difficulties in Korean patients with spinal dysraphism and their parents. METHODS: The data were prospectively collected using questionnaires from spinal dysraphism patients from two sources: an online community, and those visiting the outpatient clinic of Seoul National university hospital. The questions included were barriers in general and school life, respectively. Also, an open question was included regarding suggestions for school managers or the government in order to overcome identified IC related difficulties. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients and 40 parents answered the questionnaire. Common barriers found in general life were related to lack of places, time, or helpers to perform IC. Substantial numbers of adolescent patients also complained that IC could not be adequately performed due to problems related to privacy or lack of understanding at school. However, the number and nature of barriers varied according to the developmental stage and school environments. Almost all IC barriers seemed to be significant in adolescence. Some parents requested that the government provide space and broaden insurance coverage of catheters in order to facilitate IC. CONCLUSIONS: Various perceived barriers were identified in those who need IC and differences were demonstrated over time. Both dedicated space and time are issues. In addition, patients may benefit from emotional support and enhanced communication with community agencies and government to resolve the problems related with privacy.

Self-cathing experience journal: Enhancing the patient and family experience in clean intermittent catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study evaluated the safety, feasibility, and usefulness of the Self-Cathing Experience Journal (SC-EJ), an online resource for patients and families to address issues and stigma surrounding clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Modeled after previous assessments of the Cardiac and Depression Experience Journals (EJs), this project uniquely included patients and caregivers. We explored whether patients and caregivers would find the SC-EJ helpful in increasing their understanding of CIC, accepting the medical benefits of self-catheterization, improving hopefulness, and diminishing social isolation. METHODS: Patients seen in a tertiary urology clinic were asked to view the SC-EJ for 30 min and rate its safety and efficacy. The cross-sectional sample included 25 families: 17 surveys were completed by the patient and their caregiver, five by the patient only, and three by the caregiver only. Mean patient age was 15.7 ± 5.8 years (range 7-29 years). The patients were 64% female, and 72% used CIC due to neurological diagnoses. RESULTS: Mean overall patient satisfaction with the SC-EJ was moderately high (mean = 5, out of a 7-point Likert scale from 1 = not at all to 7 = extremely). Mean overall caregiver satisfaction was high (mean = 5.55) and was similar to caregiver satisfaction scores recorded in caregivers with children with congenital heart disease and depression (mean = 5.7 and mean = 5.75, respectively). No significant differences were noted in satisfaction between CIC patients and CIC caregivers or among caregivers of the three populations surveyed (CIC, Cardiac, and Depression). CIC patients and caregivers reported that SC-EJ viewing gave them a strong sense that others are facing similar issues (patient mean = 6.15, caregiver mean = 6.21) and that it was helpful to read about other families' CIC experiences (patient mean = 6, caregiver mean = 5.89). DISCUSSION: The SC-EJ appears to be safe, feasible, and useful to patients and families using CIC. Ratings from caregivers of CIC patients were similar to other cohorts of caregivers facing chronic childhood conditions. Despite beliefs that the EJ format best targets adults, high satisfaction ratings among patients suggest that the SC-EJ is acceptable and beneficial to children and adolescents. This web-based intervention can be a helpful clinical supplement in promoting healthy coping skills and a decreased sense of isolation among patients and families facing CIC. The unique integration of real patient and family experiences with accurate and vetted medical knowledge has the potential to enhance resiliency among viewers who use CIC.

Validation of the InCaSaQ, a new tool for the evaluation of patient satisfaction with clean intermittent self-catheterization.

AIMS: In neurourology, the choice of catheter is of paramount importance. At the time of our study, no simple validated questionnaire has been published, evaluating patient satisfaction with the use of urinary catheters. Our objective was to construct and validate a specific tool referred to as the Intermittent Catheterization Satisfaction Questionnaire (InCaSaQ), for the purposes of evaluating patient satisfaction with intermittent self-catheterization. METHODS: A simple tool was developed and validated in a neurourology referral centre, with 113 patients affected by a neurological bladder condition, between November 2011 and February 2012. Eight items, separated into four categories ("packaging", "lubrication", "catheter itself", "after catheterization") were selected. The mean score obtained with the eight-question questionnaire was calculated for each patient. Face validity was evaluated. Reliability based on internal consistency and test-retest reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was carried out. RESULTS: The patients' comprehension and acceptance of the questionnaire were good. The questionnaire appears to have been well designed, with a significant Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and the ICC demonstrated good test-retest reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The InCaSaQ was found to be a valid tool for the evaluation of patient satisfaction with a urinary catheter. It is thus possible to compare the comfort and effectiveness of different types of catheter, and to objectify the need to change the type of catheter, in cases where patients express their dissatisfaction.

Hardiness and Outcome of Self-catheterisation Training (HOST): protocol for an observational study exploring the effects of personality traits in women on ability to learn clean intermittent self-catheterisation.

INTRODUCTION: Clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC) is the recommended first-line management of voiding dysfunction; however, psychological factors involved in acceptance and take up are often neglected. There is a tendency to discuss the success of CISC in relation to factors that affect teaching and learning, with subsequent success or failure being attributed to these. There is limited research investigating what extent, personality traits impact on a woman's willingness to learn CISC and subsequent mastery of the technique. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: All women attending a tertiary urogynaecology department as eligible for CISC will be invited to participate in the study. Over the 14-month recruitment period, an estimated 130 women will be involved. The participants will complete a series of self-reported questionnaires. Personality types will be assessed using The Hardiness Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The impact of urinary symptoms and CISC on quality of life (QoL) will be measured using an electronic pelvic-floor assessment questionnaire (ePAQ). Success and mastery will be measured by recording the number of hospital appointments and the length of time taken to learn. Confidence will be measured using the Likert scale. A sample of 20 women will be invited to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews to explore women's views and experiences of CISC. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Regulatory approvals will be in place prior to the start of the study. Good clinical practice guidelines will be followed throughout. Eligibility and training for CISC will be undertaken in accordance to individualised care plans in line with unit protocol and will not be influenced by the study. Trial data will be anonymised and participant confidentiality will be maintained. The Study findings will be disseminated through publications in relevant journals and will be presented at multiprofessional conferences and scientific meetings.

Effect of a preoperative self-catheterization video on anxiety: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to determine if a clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) instructional video could improve anxiety in women undergoing prolapse and/or incontinence surgery. METHODS: A total of 199 women were randomized to preoperative CISC video or routine counseling prior to prolapse/incontinence surgery. Patient anxiety, satisfaction, and concerns about CISC were evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) and study-specific visual analog scale (VAS) questions at four perioperative time points. RESULTS: STAI-S and VAS anxiety measures were similar at baseline between groups; no significant differences were seen by group at any time point. STAI-S scores varied considerably over time, with highest scores at voiding trial failure and lowest scores at postoperative visit. Women in the video group had improved STAI-S scores and reported less worry and more comfort with CISC immediately following video viewing. Women with anxiety/depression had higher STAI-S scores at voiding trial failure and discharge and reported less anxiety reduction following video viewing compared to non-anxious/non-depressed peers. CONCLUSIONS: Women undergoing prolapse/incontinence surgery have significant perioperative anxiety, which is exacerbated by voiding trial failure. Preoperative CISC video viewing decreases anxiety scores immediately following viewing, but this effect is not sustained at voiding trial failure. Women with baseline anxiety/depression exhibit less anxiety score improvement after video viewing and have overall higher anxiety scores perioperatively.

Determining the variables associated to clean intermittent self-catheterization adherence rate: one-year follow-up study

PURPOSE: To determine adherence rate and variables associate with patients' adherence to Clean Intermittent Self Catheterization (CISC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients refereed to CISC training program between July 2006 and May 2008, were prospectively evaluated with urodynamic, 3 days bladder diary (BD) and WHOQoL-bref questionnaire. After training to perform CISC, patients were evaluated at 2 weeks, monthly for 6 months and at 12 months with clinical visits and BD. Patients were considered adherent if they were performing at least 80 percent of the initial recommendation. RESULTS: Sixty patients (50.4 ± 19.9 years old) were trained to perform CISC (21 female and 39 male). Out of them, 30 (50 percent) had neurogenic and 30 (50 percent) had a non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction. The adherence rate at 6 and 12 months was 61.7 percent, 58 percent, respectively. Patients < 40 years old had adherence rate of 86 percent. Women and neurogenic patients had higher adherence rate than their counterparts (p = 0.024 and p = 0.016, respectively). In the WHOQoL-bref, patients that adhere to the program had a significant higher score on psychological and social relationships domains. There was not difference in pre and post training WHOQoL-bref scores. Educational background, marriage status, detrusor leak point pressure, Bladder Capacity, number of leakage episodes did not play a role on the adherence rate. CONCLUSION: Patients in CISC program present a reasonable adherence after one year. Women, neurogenic voiding dysfunction and patients under 40 years old were significantly more adherents. The psychological and social relationship status seems to positively interfere on adherence. CISC did not affect patient's QoL evaluated by WHOQoL-bref.

Health-related quality of life in patients reliant upon mitrofanoff catheterisation.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of the study was determine health care outcomes from the patients' perspective in patients reliant on Mitrofanoff catheterisation for bladder emptying. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS: Patients over the age of 16 dependent on Mitrofanoff catheterisation for bladder emptying were asked to complete a health care outcome questionnaire, the SF-36 (®) Health Survey v2. Quality of life measures for 8 health concepts were compared against published data for the normal population. RESULTS: Out of a total of 25 patients who were eligible for enrolment into our study, we were able to contact 19 patients. The norm-based score for Physical Functioning (PF=50.4), Role Physical (RP=53.8), Bodily Pain (BP=55.6), Vitality (VT=56.9), Social Functioning (SF=51.5), Role Emotional (RE=52.2), and Mental Health (MH=54.6) were all higher than those reported within the normal population (normal=50.0). Physical and mental component summary measures were higher than in the normal population. When compared against age-matched norms our patient group scored higher than the normal population for all measures except Physical Functioning (50.4 vs. 53.4) and physical component summary (51.9 vs. 53.5). The self-reported scores for Vitality, Mental Health and the mental component summary were all statistically significantly better than those seen in the age-matched control population (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life in patients dependent on Mitrofanoff catheterisation for bladder emptying is good. The SF-36 measures 8 major health care outcomes and in our patients these measures of health were similar to those seen in the general population, rather than the poorer outcomes reported in patients with other chronic medical conditions.