Decisional conflict in patients with spinal cord injury who perform intermittent urethral catheterization

Abstract

Objective To identify the decisional conflict of patients with spinal cord injury who perform clean intermittent catheterization. Methods An observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted using two research tools: a sociodemographic/clinical questionnaire and the Brazilian version of the Decisional Conflict Scale. The research was carried out with a non-probabilistic sample in a public hospital specializing in rehabilitation in the Federal District. The data collected was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics of central tendency and dispersion using absolute and relative frequencies, mean, and standard deviation. The research protocol was evaluated and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal District Health Secretariat and all participants signed an informed consent form. Results The study involved 30 patients, most of whom were men, with a mean age of 32.43 years. Of these, 16 performed self-catheterization and 14 underwent assisted catheterization. Conflict of decision was identified in half of the patients, predominantly among those with a shorter period of spinal cord injury and period of catheterization. The information gap and the lack of support for the procedure were the main factors in decisional conflicts. Conclusion The time since the injury and the period during which the catheterization was performed seem to influence the acquisition of skills and knowledge in performing the procedure, showing a marked decisional conflict soon after the injury. Decisional support and supported self-care can contribute to better patient engagement.