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Abstract
The following article looks at the new Flocath quick intermittent catheter, which has been developed with the aim of improving the quality of lives of clients and carers who undertake intermittent catheterization. Teleflex Medical (formerly Rüsch UK) provides an extensive range of intermittent catheters in both male and female lengths, as well as a range of indwelling catheters widely used throughout the community, hospitals and private nursing facilities.
Key words: Catheters * Incontinence * Patients: education
Not any one type of intermittent catheter suits every individual. It is therefore gratifying that companies listen to patients and professionals not only in the preliminary phases of development of new products but also with regard to improving existing products.
The Flocath quick pack contains a pouch with the required amount of sterile saline solution for wetting the catheter, as well as a protective catheter sleeve, which can be positioned by each individual user to meet his/her needs and afford better gripping of the catheter (Figure 1). This development allows for a non-touch technique, which is important for the patient and when patients' are being assisted by carers.
History
Over the years indwelling catheterization has gradually been replaced in many cases by intermittent self-catheterization, as an alternative way of managing bladder dysfunction in all ages and in both sexes (Doherty, 1999a). Often in the past, patients, at the first sign of either incontinence or bladder dysfunction, were catheterized with indwelling catheters for periods from short-term use (several weeks) to long-term use (often for periods of up to years, and often for life) with regular changes of catheter regimens which denied the possibility of managing bladder dysfunction in any other way. This practice was widespread with the accompanying problems associated with indwelling catheterization (Stickler and Zimakoff, 1994; Parker, 1999). Problems such as catheter blockage (Pomfret et al, 2002), infection (Lowthian, 1998), catheter-induced strictures (Fillingham and Douglas, 1997) and denial of sexual expression (Doherty, 1999a) were widespread and common. Anecdotal evidence exists that catheter management tended to be based on crisis intervention and not on good thorough assessment of the problem and evidence-based practice (Doherty and Winder, 2000).
Over the years education and knowledge of bladder function and management has developed with the setting up of programmes of education...