Abstract
Aims: This study investigated user perception and adherence related to a hydrophilic-coated urinary catheter (LoFric(R) Origo), available for male patients who practice intermittent catheterization. Design: The study had a prospective observational design, including patients from 19 European hospitals. Methods: A total of 416 patients were eligible for the study; 179 experienced catheter users and 237 de novo. Two questionnaires were filled out, one describing background data and a second, 8 weeks later, evaluating catheter features. Results: The response rate for the second questionnaire was 88% (365 patients). Patients evaluating the new catheter showed a general satisfaction rate of 81% and 72% kept using it. The hygienic grip of the catheter was appreciated by 85% and the foldable feature by 67%. The results show that convenience, ease of use, and hygienic factors are patient-preferred features for a urinary catheter. These factors were confirmed for the evaluated hydrophilic-coated catheter.
