Self-Catheterization Training of a Child with Myelomeningocele

This paper describes how the occupational therapist, following a urologists’ orders, teaches clean intermittent self-catheterization as a self-care skill to handicapped school children when no trained enterostomal therapist is available. It contains a review of the literature, a definition of neurogenic bladder types, a description of intermittent catheterization, and the steps involved in teaching the technique to children. A case study is given that shows the training of a child with myelomeningocele to catheterize herself, and the therapist’s interaction with the school nurse and other members of the team.