Given that intermittent catheterization is the recommended method of bladder management in individuals with SCI, it is crucial that the potentially negative cardiovascular and psychological responses to this procedure are examined. Individuals will undergo self-catheterization, then two standard of care catheterization procedures performed by an experienced urology nurse, while either blinded to or aware of time of catheterization. Continuous cardiovascular monitoring will be in place throughout all three procedures. Assessment of anxiety will be administered pre- and post- each procedure.
This is a prospective, randomised study investigating the physical and psychological experience of intermittent catheterization in adult individuals following spinal cord injury (SCI).