Priorities, needs and willingness of use of nerve stimulation devices for bladder and bowel function in people with spinal cord injury (SCI): an Australian survey

Study design

Anonymous online survey

Objectives

To investigate the priorities, needs and willingness to adopt nerve stimulation devices for managing neurogenic bladder and bowel function in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in Australia.

Setting

Online survey of people living with SCI in Australia.

Methods

This anonymous online survey used Qualtrics and was advertised via standard communication channels, such as advocacy groups representing the SCI community in Australia, social media, attending SCI sporting events and by word-of-mouth.

Results

Responses from 62 individuals (32% female, 68% male) were included. Bladder emptying through urethra without catheter was the highest priority for bladder function. Reducing time required for bowel routines and constipation were the top priorities regarding bowel function. The highest concern for internal/implanted devices was the 4% chance of device surgical removal, while wearing wires under the clothes was the main concern for external devices. 53% of respondents were willing to trial an implanted nerve stimulation device, while 70% would trial an external device to improve and gain independence in bladder and bowel function.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlighted the potential role in which nerve stimulation can have in addressing bladder and bowel dysfunction in people with SCI, and have also identified that there was a need for Australian physiotherapists to evaluate their role in bladder and bowel dysfunction. Results from this study can help guide further research in nerve stimulation devices for bladder and bowel dysfunction in people with SCI.

Sponsorship

n/a