Intermittent Urinary Catheterization: The Impact of Training on a Low-Fidelity Simulator on the Self-Confidence of Patients and Caregivers

Mastering the Art of Caregiving: Instructional Approaches to Teaching Healthcare-Related Procedural Skills to Informal Caregivers-An Integrative Review

AIMS

This review aims to explore instructional approaches employed in teaching complex procedural skills among caregivers.

DESIGN

Integrative Review.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic searches were conducted across seven databases: CINAHL, PubMed, OVID, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, ProQuest Central and Google Scholar. Manual searches of references within relevant studies were also performed. Original, peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2014 and 2025 were reviewed.

METHODS

The Whittemore and Knafl method of integrative review was utilised to comprehensively examine literature encompassing various methodological designs. 17 articles that examined the learning of procedural skills among caregivers were included.

RESULTS

The optimal approach to enhancing caregivers' knowledge, competence and confidence involves a learner-centric training model involving multiple phases. Effective caregiving begins with a thorough preparation of the caregiver, which is key to ensuring the success of the training programme. Next, knowledge can be imparted through diverse learning approaches and paradigms to cater to individual learning styles. Subsequently, the translation of knowledge gained to hands-on practice, deepens understanding and enhances caregivers' practical skills competency. Finally, confidence is built through providing opportunities and platforms for repeated practice, leading to mastery and increased confidence over time.

CONCLUSIONS

While specific learning pedagogies were not highlighted in the literature, the instructional approaches summarised in the existing literature closely resembled an existing teaching pedagogy: Peyton's Four-Step Approach. This approach is a stepwise teaching framework that has been widely used in healthcare teaching. The approaches used in the studies align with this approach and future interventions should consider designing their training accordingly to enhance its efficacy.

IMPACT

A well-designed training programme fosters caregiver resilience and preparedness, enabling them to navigate challenges effectively and sustainably. Future research could focus on creating an all-encompassing caregiver training that integrates the various approaches. Its feasibility and effectiveness in improving the caregiver preparation process could then be assessed.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution.

Use and Impact of Simulation in Family Caregiver Education: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Involving family caregivers in a team-based approach has become increasingly important. Simulation-based interventions in nursing have been effective. However, the effect of simulation on family caregiver education is not widely known and is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the current state of simulation-based interventions in family caregivers of patients with chronic diseases.

METHODS

This systematic review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane with a medical librarian's help. This review included quantitative, primary, peer-reviewed English-written research articles that reported outcomes for family caregivers. We focused on the data about purpose, design, setting, population, intervention characteristics, and outcomes. Before analyzing the selected studies, we evaluated the risk of bias using the revised Cochrane Risk-Of-Bias tool for randomized trials.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 9 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the 9 articles analyzed were designed in a quasi-experimental design. In addition, most studies focused on certain diseases and used low-fidelity simulators. The simulation content mainly focused on technical simulations to help care for patients. Some simulations had a positive influence on family caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and skills.

CONCLUSIONS

We expect more simulation-based interventions for caregivers, especially those targeting diverse populations, using appropriate modalities and randomized control designs.

Tracheostomy care quality improvement in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review

Tracheostomy is a lifesaving, essential procedure performed for airway obstruction in the case of head and neck cancers, prolonged ventilator use, and for long-term pulmonary care. While successful quality improvement interventions in high-income countries such as through the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative significantly reduced length of hospital stay and decreased levels of anxiety among patients, limited literature exists regarding tracheostomy care and practices in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), where most of the world resides. Given limited literature, this scoping review aims to summarize published tracheostomy studies in LMICs and highlight areas in need of quality improvement and clinical research efforts. Based on the PRISMA guidelines, a scoping review of the literature was performed through MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase using terms related to tracheostomy, educational and quality improvement interventions, and LMICs. Publications from 2000-2022 in English were included. Eighteen publications representing 10 countries were included in the final analysis. Seven studies described baseline needs assessments, 3 development of training programs for caregivers, 6 trialed home-based or hospital-based interventions, and finally 2 articles discussed development of standardized protocols. Overall, studies highlighted the unique challenges to tracheostomy care in LMICs including language, literacy barriers, resource availability (running water and electricity in patient homes), and health system access (financial costs of travel and follow-up). There is currently limited published literature on tracheostomy quality improvement and care in LMICs. Opportunities to improve quality of care include increased efforts to measure complications and outcomes, implementing evidence-based interventions tailored to LMIC settings, and using an implementation science framework to study tracheostomy care in LMICs.

Simulation- vs. Didactic-Based Learning for Rehabilitation Nurses Caring for Patients With Autonomic Dysreflexia

PURPOSE

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is associated with spinal cord injury, manifesting in symptoms of high blood pressure, bradycardia, headache, diaphoresis, and anxiety. Nurses often manage these symptoms; thus, nursing knowledge of AD is crucial. The purpose of this study was to improve AD nursing knowledge while exploring differences between simulation and didactic learning in nurse education.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective pilot study used two types of learning (simulation vs. didactic) to determine if one was superior to the other regarding nursing knowledge of AD. Nurses were given a pretest, randomized to simulation or didactic learning, and then given a posttest 3 months later.

RESULTS

Thirty nurses were enrolled in this study. Seventy-seven percent of nurses held a BSN degree with an average of 15.75 years in nursing. The mean knowledge scores for AD at baseline for the control (13.9 [2.4]) and intervention (15.5 [2.9]) groups were not statistically different ( p = .1118). The mean knowledge scores for AD after either didactic- or simulation-based education for the control (15.5 [4.4]) and intervention (16.5 [3.4]) groups were not statistically different ( p = .5204).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Autonomic dysreflexia is a critical clinical diagnosis that requires prompt nursing intervention to prevent threatening consequences. This study focused on how different methods of education best benefited AD knowledge acquisition and how simulation versus didactic learning impacts overall nursing education.

CONCLUSIONS

As a whole, providing nurses with AD education was helpful in improving their understanding of the syndrome. However, our data suggest that both didactic and simulation are equally effective methods to increase AD knowledge.

The Effect of Video-Assisted Clean Intermittent Catheterization Training on Patients' Practical Skills and Self-Confidence

PURPOSE

This research was carried out in order to examine the effect of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) training with a video developed by the researchers on patients' ability to practice CIC and self-confidence.

METHODS

The population of the study consisted of patients who had just started performing CIC in the urology polyclinic of a city hospital in Istanbul. The sample consisted of a total of 80 patients, 40 of whom were in the experimental group and 40 in the control group. The experimental group patients were given CIC training with a training video that was downloaded to the mobile phone of the patient, a family member, or caregiver. The patients' practice skills were evaluated by 2 independent observers. The DISCERN Inquiry Form and the Global Quality Score, the Patient Information Form, the CIC Skill Checklist and the Self-Confidence Scale in Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization were used to collect data.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, consisting of patients who received video-assisted training, the mean scores for the CIC Skill Checklist and the Self-Confidence Scale in Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization were statistically significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.001), the experience of feeling pain during catheterization was less than in the control group, and the patients in the experimental group experienced statistically significantly fewer complications such as urinary tract infections, urgency, urinary incontinence, hematuria and urethral stricture (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Video-assisted CIC training had a positive effect on patients' practical skills and self-confidence.

"Ready SIM Go": An Adapted Simulation "Service Line" for Patients and Caregivers

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Changing healthcare systems and efforts to decrease medical costs have resulted in many more patients and caregivers (PCs) needing to manage life-sustaining therapies on their own. Given the potential for underpreparedness to result in increased morbidity and mortality, developing safe and efficient homecare training methods for PCs is essential. Medical simulation with PCs is an underused tool, which has the potential to decrease anxiety and increase preparedness through opportunities for repeated practice of medical procedures within a safe, controlled environment. This article describes the development of a hospital-based simulation service line for PCs, leveraging lessons learned from training for 250 patients and 450 caregivers in 14 different departments and subspecialties, and explains adaptations of standard simulation methods necessary for safe and effective use of simulation with this unique population. Process blueprint, examples of specific programs, as well as feedback from participants and clinicians are included.

Evaluation of YouTube Videos Regarding Clean Intermittent Catheterization Application

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) training and education videos on YouTube.

Methods

This study was conducted in English language in descriptive type to evaluate the content, reliability, and quality of Internet videos related to CIC training. The search was performed by using term “clean intermittent catheterization” and “intermittent self catheterization” on YouTube in August 2019. The content of the selected videos was analyzed by 2 independent experts in the field. The DISCERN questionnaire was used to analyze the reliability of the video and the global quality score (GQS) was used for the quality of the video.

Results

When the contents of the 64 videos included in the study were examined, it was found that 41 of them contained useful information and 23 of them contained misleading information. DISCERN scores, video coverage scores, and GQS of videos with useful information were found to be statistically higher than those with misleading information (P<0.001). When the sources of the videos were examined, it was seen that 78.05% of the videos containing useful information were published by medical advertisement/for-profit companies (P<0.001). The reliability scores, coverage scores, and GQS of the videos from medical advertisement/for-profit companies were significantly higher than the other sources (P<0.001).

Conclusions

In this study, it was seen that the majority of YouTube CIC training videos examined within the scope of the research were published by medical advertisement/for-profit companies and most of these videos contain useful information.

Difficulties of patients and caregivers in performing clean intermittent catheterization: scoping review

Objective: To identify the main difficulties reported by patients and caregivers in the use of clean intermittent catheterization described in the scientific literature. Methods: Scoping review with studies published in Portuguese, English or Spanish, without date limit, in electronic databases and digital libraries, using descriptors and keywords. Results: 790 studies were identified, including 34 studies published between 1984 and 2019. The main difficulties reported in performing clean intermittent catheterization were related to catheter insertion, pain, discomfort, urethral trauma, public bathrooms with inadequate facilities, physical difficulties and lack of access to necessary inputs. Conclusion: The studies analyzed show the difficulties that patients who use clean intermittent catheterization and their caregivers face on a daily basis, which are related to intrinsic and extrinsic, institutional and governmental factors and can decrease satisfaction and adherence to rehabilitation programs bladder, with an impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. Therefore, it highlights the need for health education for the proper teaching of performing clean intermittent catheterization, emphasizing the importance of the nurse’s role in this process.

Dificuldades de pacientes e cuidadores na realização do cateterismo intermitente limpo: revisão de escopo

Objetivo: Identificar as principais dificuldades relatadas pelos pacientes e cuidadores no uso do cateterismo intermitente limpo descritas na literatura científica. Métodos: Revisão de escopo com estudos publicados em português, inglês ou espanhol, sem limite de data, em base de dados eletrônicas e bibliotecas digitais, utilizando descritores e palavras-chave. Resultados: Foram identificados 790 estudos, sendo incluídos 34 estudos publicados entre 1984 e 2019. As principais dificuldades relatadas na realização do cateterismo intermitente limpo foram referentes a inserção do cateter, dor, desconforto, trauma uretral, banheiros públicos com instalações inadequadas, dificuldades físicas e falta de acesso aos insumos necessários. Conclusão: Os estudos analisados evidenciam as dificuldades que os pacientes usuários do cateterismo intermitente limpo e seus cuidadores enfrentam no dia a dia, que estão relacionadas à fatores intrínsecos e extrínsecos, institucionais e governamentais e podem diminuir a satisfação e a aderência aos programas de reabilitação vesical, com impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes e seus cuidadores. Portanto destaca-se a necessidade de educação em saúde para o adequado ensino da realização do cateterismo intermitente limpo, enfatizando a importância do papel do enfermeiro nesse processo.

Construction and validation of a low-cost simulator for training patients with diabetes mellitus and/or their caregivers in insulin administration

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to construct and validate a low-cost simulator to train diabetes mellitus patients and their caregivers on the administration of insulin. Method: Action research study with a qualitative approach, through a validation methodological study. Results: A low-fidelity simulator was constructed with the areas recommended for insulin administration adapted to allow skill training. Validation was done by nine experts on the subject. Conclusions: The prototype has low cost and greater anatomical functional fidelity than the models currently available in the market. Implications for practice: The simulator developed can be used by health professionals, caregivers or by the patients themselves as a tool in the training for insulin administration. Its use may favor the identification of critical points related to the application technique, allowing the planning of more directive and effective educational interventions.

Factors affecting continuation of clean intermittent catheterisation in people with multiple sclerosis: Results of the COSMOS mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC) is often recommended for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the variables that affect continuation or discontinuation of the use of CIC.

METHODS

A three-part mixed-method study (prospective longitudinal cohort ( n = 56), longitudinal qualitative interviews ( n = 20) and retrospective survey ( n = 456)) was undertaken, which identified the variables that influenced CIC continuation/discontinuation. The potential explanatory variables investigated in each study were the individual's age, gender, social circumstances, number of urinary tract infections, bladder symptoms, presence of co-morbidity, stage of multiple sclerosis and years since diagnosis, as well as CIC teaching method and intensity.

RESULTS

For some people with MS the prospect of undertaking CIC is difficult and may take a period of time to accept before beginning the process of using CIC. Ongoing support from clinicians, support at home and a perceived improvement in symptoms such as nocturia were positive predictors of continuation. In many cases, the development of a urinary tract infection during the early stages of CIC use had a significant detrimental impact on continuation.

CONCLUSION

Procedures for reducing the incidence of urinary tract infection during the learning period (i.e. when being taught and becoming competent) should be considered, as well as the development of a tool to aid identification of a person's readiness to try CIC.

Optimizing resident operative self-confidence through competency-based surgical education modules: are we there yet?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Self-confidence is the belief in one's ability to perform and can be enhanced by training. Surgical education should aim to optimize trainee confidence. We designed three procedure-specific competency-based modules to teach vaginal hysterectomy (VH), anterior (AR) and posterior repair (PR) to novice gynecology residents. We hypothesized each module would improve self-confidence and satisfaction during index procedure performance in the operating room.

METHODS

This was an ancillary analysis of a larger randomized-controlled trial of gynecologic educational interventions. Residents at three Canadian universities were included if they had previously performed fewer than five index procedures independently. Intervention residents received educational modules; controls engaged in self-directed learning. All residents performed one or more of the three surgeries and filled out a validated Self-Confidence Scale and a Satisfaction Scale. Scores were compared between groups. Correlations were sought between self-confidence and various variables.

RESULTS

Forty-six residents at three Canadian universities were randomized (21 intervention, 25 control). Most residents had never performed the index procedure. Overall, self-confidence was significantly higher (p = 0.021) in the intervention group for VH, but not for AR and PR (p = 0.94 and p = 0.12, respectively). Compared with controls, self-confidence was also significantly higher in intervention residents who had never performed VH (p = 0.026) or PR (p = 0.027) and in first and second year intervention residents. There was a positive correlation between self-confidence and satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical modules improved self-confidence preferentially in the most junior residents and for more complicated procedures. The wide self-confidence ranges observed suggest that optimization should be an important goal for surgical educators.

Validation of self - confidence scale for clean urinary intermittent self - catheterization for patients and health - caregivers

Objective

To validate a measurement instrument for clean intermittent self-catheterization for patients and health-caregivers.

Material and Methods

Methodological study of instrument validation performed at a Rehabilitation Center in a University hospital for patients submitted to clean intermittent self-catheterization and their health-caregivers. Following ethical criteria, data were collected during interview with nurse staff using a Likert question form containing 16 items with 5 points each: “no confidence”=1, “little confidence”=2, “confident”=3, “very confident”=4 and “completely confident”=5. Questionnaire called “Self-Confident Scale for Clean Intermittent Self-catheterization” (SCSCISC) was constructed based on literature and previously validated (appearance and content).

Results

The instrument was validated by 122 patients and 119 health-caregivers, in a proportion of 15:1. It was observed a good linear association and sample adequacy KMO 0.931 and X2=2881.63, p<0.001. Anti-image matrix showed high values at diagonal suggesting inclusion of all factors. Screen plot analysis showed a suggestion of items maintenance in a single set. It was observed high correlation of all items with the total, alpha-Cronbach 0.944. The same results were obtained in subsamples of patients and health-caregivers.

Conclusion

The instrument showed good psychometric adequacy corroborating its use for evaluation of self-confidence during clean intermittent self-catheterization.