Commentary: The relationship between the self-confidence in clean urinary intermittent catheterisation and self-efficacy of home care patients

Abstract

As life expectancy continues to increase due to advancements in medical care, individuals are experiencing physiological changes and encountering a greater prevalence of comorbid conditions. Consequently, there is a growing population requiring home care services to manage their complex health needs (Kojima et al., 2019). Within this demographic, a significant proportion comprises elderly individuals, who often face challenges in performing everyday tasks independently due to their medical conditions (World Health Organization, 2015). Therefore, they rely heavily on assistance and support for activities essential to their daily lives, underscoring the crucial role of home care services in ensuring their well-being and quality of life (Caffrey et al., 2011).Home care patients facing bladder distension or urinary retention frequently resort to clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC), hailed as the premier treatment method (Lapides et al., 2017). CIC stands out as a preferred, reliable and efficient technique for managing urinary retention and facilitating bladder drainage in such patients (Çulha and Acaroğlu, 2020;Tian et al., 2023). Extensive research attests to the manifold benefits of CIC, including a reduced incidence of urinary tract infections, prevention of urethral and bladder injuries and preservation of optimal bladder and kidney functions (Biaziolo et al., 2017;Faleiros et al., 2018;Lamin and Newman, 2016). Moreover, empowering individuals to take charge of their bladder functions through CIC fosters a profound sense of independence, consequently bolstering their self-assurance and overall quality of life (Goldstine et al., 2019;Sekido et al., 2021;Silva et al., 2017).The implementation of CIC requires specialised psychomotor skills. Despite its numerous benefits, improper application can lead to urethral injuries and infections, undermining patient confidence in self-care. This study highlights how the self-efficacy levels of home care patients in self-catheterisation influence their overall confidence. Notably, confidence in CIC application correlates closely with knowledge levels. Therefore, educating home care patients and caregivers on both theoretical principles and practical techniques related to CIC can significantly boost their