Low‐fidelity simulation for patients and caregivers in the use of lubricants in clean intermittent catheterization.

ABSTRACT: Can low‐fidelity simulation improve the knowledge and skills of patients undergoing clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and their caregivers to prevent complications? Patients undergoing CIC are exposed to risks, such as urethral trauma and urinary tract infections. Objective of this paper was to assess the implications of low‐fidelity simulations for patients and caregivers in the use of clean intermittent catheterization in the event of urethral trauma and for its prevention. A quasi‐experimental study carried out between November 2015 and February 2016 in the rehabilitation centre of a university hospital, with patients undergoing CIC and/or their caregivers. Following the ethical precepts, data collection was performed during nursing consultations by means of interviews, structured observation, and a knowledge test applied before and after the low‐fidelity simulation. Patients undergoing CIC and/or caregivers underwent a low‐fidelity simulation of CIC with urethral trauma and then they were guided by the researchers following the protocol established in the department. They then underwent another simulation with the same characteristics. Fifty‐five patients participated in this study, in which most of them (33 [60·0%]) were men, with an average age of 31·7 years. Bleeding was reported by 19 patients (34·5%), of which 18 were men. The performance of low‐fidelity simulations proved to be effective for patients or caregivers in adverse situations, such as bleeding, resistance to the introduction of the catheter and negative urine drainage. The performance of low‐fidelity simulation is easily accessible and shows efficiency when used in teaching‐learning processes of health education and development of skills and competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]