Introduction: Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) was first described in 1972 by urologist Jack Lapides and continues to be the preferred method of bladder management for patients who cannot safely empty their bladder independently. CIC is usually taught by nursing staff in the clinic, but patients often need additional visits to reinforce catheterization techniques for them to perform CIC independently. Here we present a patient-focused educational video reviewing the process of CIC. Methods: With the assistance of nursing staff and an animation team, we developed a 7-minute patient-focused education video that reviews the process of CIC. The script was developed for the audience at a 5th grade reading level. We used similar terminology that the nursing staff would use with patients when they are teaching CIC. Results: We developed a 7-minute patient-focused education video that reviews proper techniques require for patietns to perform CIC. Additionally, the video reinforces why some patients need to perform CIC and discusses the decreased risk of urinary tract injections, bladder stones, and urethral erosion for patients whose bladders are managed with CIC compared to bladder management with a foley catheter or a suprapubic tube. Furthermore, we explain the French sizing system of catheters and various commercially available catheters including coude tipped catheters and self-lubricating catheters. Lastly, we suggest useful techniques patients can use if they have trouble with catheterization. This includes holding the penis on stretch or using a coude catheter in men and positioning techniques and mirrors to help females find their urethral opening. Conclusions: CIC is the preferred method for bladder management in patients who cannot safely empty their bladder independently. Our patient friendly video can reinforce techniques for CIC and answer several questions on CIC that patients may have forgotten to ask during their clinic visit to learn CIC. SOURCE OF Funding: Craig Nielsen Foundation
