ABSTRACT Is there a relationship between required documentation and patient outcomes? Hospitals routinely conduct chart audits with no evidence that it improves patient outcomes. Using CAUTI as an exemplar, we explored if more complete required documentation is related to improved CAUTI outcomes. No research could be identified directly comparing documentation and patient outcomes. There is secondary evidence that suggests documentation is not related to patient outcomes. A 5‐year retrospective chart review of nursing care documentation in 250 adult medical/surgical and intensive care patients with an indwelling urinary catheter, half with a catheter acquired urinary tract infection and half without, was executed. Required nursing care documentation included catheter continuation reason, catheter care, and catheter care post bowel movement. Differences in total nursing care shifts, total nursing care opportunities, and total bowel movements were examined. A Mann–Whitney U test was performed to compare nursing documentation differences between groups who did and did not develop a CAUTI. Overall non‐compliance with individual or bundled charting requirements was high in those who did and did not develop a CAUTI post catheter placements. Charting compliance was generally comparable in both groups. However, of the three required charting components, a statistically significant group difference for charting compliance was found for cleaning post bowel movements. Other significant group differences included total bowel movements, total nursing shifts, and total care opportunities, with the CAUTI group having significantly more of each. Hospitals expend significant resources to improve charting compliance through audits and feedback. Most of this study's results suggest nursing care documentation is not necessarily associated with patient outcomes, and that process compliance alone should not necessarily be prioritised. However, cleaning post bowel movement is an important CAUTI prevention strategy and should be evaluated to be added to the CDC CAUTI bundle. Continued research is needed to determine if nurse documentation burden could be decreased considering the lack of clearly associated patient impact.
ABSTRACT Urinary incontinence is commonly experienced by women during midlife and the menopausal transition. Urinary incontinence can be an unpleasant and distressing condition, with many women perceiving it as a normal part of ageing or life stage, which may contribute to underreporting and delayed engagement with healthcare professionals. The impact of urinary incontinence is complex and extends across physical, psychological, social, and functional domains, with implications for quality of life. Despite this, limited attention has been given to understanding women's experiences of urinary incontinence during the peri‐menopausal transition. Therefore, there is a clinical need to synthesise the qualitative evidence exploring the lived experience of urinary incontinence in peri‐menopausal women. The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were used to conduct a systematic search of qualitative literature across five databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus). Study selection was guided by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. As no studies met the inclusion criteria, methodological quality appraisal was not undertaken. A total of 69 studies were identified, with 62 screened for eligibility following removal of duplicates. No studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The absence of eligible studies highlights a critical gap in the current literature. While existing research demonstrates that urinary incontinence is prevalent and associated with significant impact in midlife women, this evidence is predominantly derived from quantitative studies using structured measures of symptoms and quality of life. As a result, the lived experience of urinary incontinence in peri‐menopausal women remains unexplored. Further qualitative research is required to understand how women experience, interpret, and manage urinary incontinence during the peri‐menopausal transition. Such research is essential to inform more responsive, person‐centred approaches to care and to better align clinical management with women's needs and experiences.
ABSTRACT Catheter‐associated urinary tract infections are common hospital‐acquired infections. Health workers' knowledge and practices are crucial for the prevention of catheter‐associated urinary tract infections. However, studies conducted in Ethiopia have reported inconsistent results regarding this aspect. This meta‐analysis and systematic review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of health workers' knowledge, practices and associated factors for catheter‐associated urinary tract infection prevention in Ethiopia. The databases searched included PubMed, Science Direct, Hinari, Cochrane, Google Scholar and repositories. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used to level the quality of the studies. STATA 17 was used to analyse the data, and meta‐regression and Galbraith plots were used to determine heterogeneity. We also did publication bias tests, sensitivity tests and subgroup analyses based on sample size, region and study period. The PROSPERO database had this systematic review registered under protocol number CR 42025639568. The pooled prevalence of good knowledge regarding catheter‐associated urinary tract infection prevention was 46.1%. Good practice levels of health workers were 50.8%. Having guidelines (OR: 2.674, CI: 1.835, 3.513), work experience of 5–10 (OR: 1.753, CI: 1.007, 2.50) and training (OR: 1.958, CI: 1.412, 2.50) were significantly associated with good knowledge of health workers towards catheter‐associated urinary tract infection prevention. Good knowledge (OR: 3.126, CI: 1.357–4.894), a positive attitude towards the prevention of catheter‐associated urinary tract infections (OR: 2.062, CI: 1.514–2.610) and having infection prevention guidelines (OR: 1.989, CI: 1.299–2.679) were factors that determined good practice of health workers towards catheter‐associated urinary tract infections prevention in Ethiopia. Health workers in Ethiopia relatively had poor knowledge and practice levels regarding catheter‐associated urinary tract infection prevention. Access to infection prevention guidelines, training and work experience positively influence good knowledge. Good knowledge, a positive attitude and work experience were key to good practice.
ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyse the therapeutic self‐care agencies and demands experienced by transgender women who have undergone vaginoplasty, based on Orem's Self‐Care Nursing Theory. A qualitative multiple case study was conducted with transgender women receiving follow‐up care at a specialized outpatient clinic for transgender and transvestite individuals in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Data were collected through online semi‐structured interviews and analysed thematically. Five thematic categories emerged: conceptualizing self‐care; experiencing the postoperative period; feelings and changes in self‐care; continuity of postoperative care; and the impact of vaginal dilation and satisfaction on gender‐affirming surgery outcomes. The findings reveal that self‐care following vaginoplasty is a complex and dynamic process that extends beyond the physical maintenance of the neovaginal canal to encompass emotional, psychological, and social dimensions. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive, individualized, and theory‐informed nursing care to strengthen self‐care agency, promote adherence to postoperative care, and improve the health and quality of life of transgender women.
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent health issue that shapes emotional and social experiences, influencing women's everyday lives in subtle and pervasive ways. This study aims to explore how women living with UI make sense of their embodied experience, emotions, and daily ways of coping and engaging with care. This qualitative research, conducted as a phenomenological case study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), involved 15 purposively sampled women (mean age 56) attending an outpatient pelvic floor rehabilitation clinic in Northern Italy. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF). The analysis revealed five core themes: 'A changed body, a changed woman', 'Existence within boundaries', 'Face to face with the problem', 'Knocking at services' doors' and 'Inside the emotional landscape'. Factors identified as significant to the UI experience include childbirth, aging, and body image. While women often initially normalised the condition as an inevitable consequence of motherhood or aging, the study highlights a profound emotional burden characterised by shame, anxiety, and a sense of 'symbolic mutilation'. The findings distinguish between passive resignation and active normalisation, where recognising UI as a shared difficulty becomes a lever for seeking care. Ultimately, women's experiences revealed a complex condition deeply connected to identity, requiring empathetic, individualised, and multidisciplinary care pathways to break the silence and improve quality of life.Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT06421428
Urinary incontinence management through the use of an external urinary device (EUD) has captured the attention of hospitals in the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections with the theory of reduction in the use of indwelling urinary catheters. Retrospective chart review of 65 charts of women who were fitted with EUD's during their hospital stay was conducted. Descriptive data were gathered. Use of EUD under the current protocol resulted in increased patient length of stay and increased number of hospital acquired pressure injuries. Despite FDA reporting and limited evidence-based research, facilities continue to move forward with EUD use, potentially increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality in their patient populations.
Cystoscopy is a cornerstone diagnostic procedure in urology, especially for diagnosing and monitoring various bladder pathologies, including urothelial tumours and haematuria of unknown origin. Recently, advancements in endoscopic technology have introduced single-use flexible cystoscopies (SU-FC) as an alternative to traditional reusable flexible cystoscopies (R-FC), potentially simplifying workflow and reducing infection risk compared with reusable scopes. This prospective study aims to compare patient- and operator-reported outcomes, including comfort, pain levels, image quality and overall satisfaction when employing single-use versus reusable flexible cystoscopes. From October to December 2023, a single-centre study was conducted, enrolling 200 patients undergoing diagnostic flexible cystoscopy, 10 urologists and 10 urologic scrub nurses. Standardized questionnaires, adapted from validated instruments, were used to collect data on perceived pain (Visual Analogue Scale), device performance, image quality and operator satisfaction. Statistical analyses (Wilcoxon rank-sum, Fisher's exact) tested for significant differences between SU-FC and R-FC. Of the 200 patients, 100 underwent cystoscopy using SU-FC and 100 with R-FC. Patients in the single-use group reported significantly lower or milder pain (p = 0.0112) and higher satisfaction distributions (p < 0.0001). Operator assessments (physicians and nurses) indicated higher satisfaction with single-use devices in terms of image clarity, navigation and instrument performance (p < 0.0001). SU-FC confer notable benefits for both patients and healthcare professionals, including reduced pain, superior image quality and enhanced workflow. These findings support the broader investigation of disposable cystoscopy in routine practice while urging cost-effectiveness and sustainability evaluations.
To evaluate urinary, intestinal, sexual and hormonal functions using validated Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) for the Brazilian population in prostate cancer patients. This prospective observational study longitudinally assessed the functional outcomes of 800 patients who underwent prostatectomy at a private hospital in southern Brazil between 2018 and 2023. Data collection occurred at seven postoperative time points (T0, T30, T90, T180, T365, T720 and T1090), analysing means, standard deviations and appropriate statistical tests. Before surgery, patients exhibited moderate impairment in sexual function, while other functions were relatively preserved. After 30 days, a decline was observed across all domains, particularly in urinary incontinence and sexual function, followed by gradual recovery over time. However, a full return to preoperative levels was not achieved, especially in sexual and erectile functions. A comparison of surgical approaches-open, laparoscopic and robotic-indicated better functional outcomes and shorter hospital stays associated with the robotic technique, while laparoscopic surgery showed more consistent late-stage recovery. These findings highlight the importance of long-term follow-up and targeted interventions for functional rehabilitation, particularly regarding the preservation of patients' sexual quality of life.
To determine surgical nurses' post-operative urinary retention information status. The study was conducted as a descriptive study with 273 nurses working in the surgical clinics of a city hospital in Turkiye who volunteered to participate between 15 September and 1 November 2022. The first part of the two-part data collection form included descriptive characteristics of the nurses, and the second part included 20 five-option multiple-choice questions measuring nurses' knowledge about POUR. Data were analysed using the SPSS 22.0 package programme, including percentage distribution, standard tests, Shapiro-Wilks, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis variance tests and chi-squared tests. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. The study found that 26.7% of surgical nurses had previously received training on post-operative urinary retention, 52.7% had previously encountered a patient with post-operative urinary retention and 36.6% had resolved this problem with bladder catheterization. Furthermore, the median knowledge score of surgical nurses regarding post-operative urinary retention was 40 out of 100; this score was found to increase with age, gender, and length of professional experience (p < 0.05). In the study, surgical nurses' post-operative urinary retention knowledge score was below average. Improvements should be made to nurses' professional knowledge and the scientific evidence supporting urinary retention, a serious post-operative complication.
The development of building research capacity (BRC) is critical for empowering individuals, institutions, organisations and nations by systematically defining and prioritising research questions. It is deemed essential for advancing healthcare research. In the context of Urological Nursing, there is a pressing need to develop BRC to enable nurses to adopt an evidence-based and broadened scope of practice. This reflective article discusses the authors' experiences with BRC during post-doctoral training in urological nursing, facilitated through an international Strengths-Based Nursing and Healthcare mentoring program. Additionally, the BRC in Urological Nursing is highlighted as a means to expand and solidify the specialised knowledge within this field.
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent health issue worldwide, with its frequency increasing with age and negatively impacting individuals across various aspects of life. This study aims to determine the prevalence of UI, identify risk factors, and assess awareness and attitudes in women aged 18-65. This research, conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional case study, was conducted with 294 randomly selected women working in a hospital in a province of Turkey. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews using the Introductory Information Form and the Urinary Incontinence Awareness and Attitude Scale (URINAS). UI was found in 29% of women aged 18-65. Among those with UI, 34% consulted a physician, and 22% received treatment. Factors influencing UI include age, BMI, vaginal delivery, menopause, family history, having constipation, lifting heavy objects, urinary tract infections, and a desire for Kegel exercise training (p < 0.05). Approximately one-third of women aged 18-65 experience UI. However, only one-third of those seek medical advice and one-fifth receive treatment. Factors that affect UI include age, body mass index, vaginal delivery, menopause, urinary tract infections, heavy lifting, and doing kegel exercises. Women generally accepted UI as a health issue, had high health motivation, did not experience significant restrictions, and displayed moderate levels of coping and fear.
Post-operative hypospadias dressings remain a challenging and variable issue of modern Hypospadias surgery. Besides giving compression, the dressing protects delicate repair, maintains an upright position, and holds stents in place. The dressing needs to be comfortable to the patient, easy to apply and remove, and easy to manage for parents at home without restricting the activity of the child. Standardising dressing and care simplifies processes for nursing staff and carers. With this in mind our units' Hypospadias Group has adopted a standardised dressing and care. Our unit utilises Double nappy technique; with an inner stent & dressing and outer nappy for soiling. Specialist Urology Nurse practitioner's role in supporting Parents after discharge is invaluable in dealing with any problems in a timely manner and preventing repeated hospital visits. We aimed to determine Parental Perception & Satisfaction on Post-operative Dressing care following Hypospadias surgery. 50 Parents of patients undergoing Hypospadias surgery were given a focused questionnaire immediately after removal of Dressing. The 5 point Likert scale questionnaire assessed parental comfort for Hypospadias dressing care and in the post-operative period (caring, cleaning and changing dressings at home). 49 Completed survey responses were collected. 80% of parents felt prepared for care of the post-operative dressings, with the majority (94%) having no concerns regarding the use of a double nappy. The majority of parents reported being comfortable or very comfortable in caring for the dressing at home (67%), cleaning around the dressing (63%) and nappy changes around the dressings (61%). The Parental perceptions of their child's comfort during the dressing removal showed more varied responses, however the majority of parents (86%) would not recommend any sedation for the dressing removal if given a choice. 96% of parents were satisfied with the functionality of the dressing, with 74% stating they were very satisfied. Advances and innovations of Hypospadias dressings may introduce new anxieties and demands on parents during the post-operative period of Hypospadias surgery. Peri-operative support of parents and families, and involvement of specialist nursing pathways can improve parental preparedness and satisfaction. We recommend a standardised technique for perioperative care.
The use of indwelling urinary catheters is common in patients with voiding dysfunction, yet it poses a significant risk for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which contribute to increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Promoting patient self-management through structured education and the use of validated tools such as the Catheter Self-Efficacy (C-SE) and Catheter Self-Management (C-SMG) Scales represents an effective strategy to reduce complications and enhance patient autonomy. This study aimed to translate, adapt and validate the Catheter Self-Efficacy (C-SE) Scale and the Catheter Self-Management (C-SMG) Scale for the Italian healthcare context. Given the absence of an Italian instrument for the multidimensional assessment of self-management effectiveness in patients with indwelling urinary catheters, this study sought to provide a validated tool for systematic evaluation. A cross-sectional validation study was conducted involving adult patients with indwelling urinary catheters attending the Urology Outpatient Clinics at the 'Azienda Unit & agrave; Sanitaria Locale' of Piacenza, Italy. Participants completed the translated and adapted C-SE and C-SMG scales. The translation followed the back-and-forward method, ensuring conceptual equivalence. Reliability was assessed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient, and content validity was evaluated through the Content Validity Index (CVI). Additionally, patient perceptions of the scales' usability and relevance were gathered through a structured questionnaire. A total of 100 patients were recruited, with 154 completed questionnaires collected. The reliability analysis yielded strong inter-rater agreement (C-SE: Cohen's Kappa = 0.92; C-SMG: Cohen's Kappa = 0.91). Content validity was confirmed, with an S-CVI of 0.90. Patient feedback highlighted the scales' clarity, ease of completion and perceived usefulness in clinical practise. The translated and validated Italian versions of the C-SE and C-SMG scales demonstrated robust psychometric properties, supporting their use as reliable tools for assessing self-efficacy and self-management in patients with indwelling urinary catheters. Their integration into clinical practise may enhance patient autonomy, improve communication with healthcare providers and reduce catheter-associated complications. Future studies should explore their applicability in multi-centre settings.
Instability within the nursing workforce undermines service continuity, patient outcomes and staff wellbeing in urology services. Workforce retention remains a persistent challenge across the NHS, particularly in specialist teams where continuity, advanced expertise and relational care are critical. This paper presents a critically reflective leadership and service improvement project undertaken within a specialist urology cancer nursing team (n = 20) working across four hospital sites at a London oncology centre in the UK. The team comprised 16 senior Clinical Nurse Specialists (Band 7) and 4 Clinical Nurse Specialists (Band 6). The project was undertaken as part of the Rosalind Franklin Leadership Programme and was designed to inform leadership practice rather than generate generalisable research findings; therefore, it did not constitute a research study or audit. Data sources included exit interviews with staff who voluntarily left the service (n = 5), documented one-to-one reflective leadership discussions (n = 20), structured staff feedback sessions, and organisational workforce datasets (Great with Talent Annual Report, April 2024-March 2025; QSR1 workforce dataset, June 2025). These sources were analysed to identify recurrent patterns influencing workforce stability and to guide iterative leadership interventions focused on career development, recognition, role clarity, team cohesion and psychological safety. Four recurrent drivers of turnover were identified: limited career progression, inconsistent recognition, structural role ambiguity and unclear pathway ownership. In response, targeted leadership interventions were implemented, including structured career development pathways, mentorship, enhanced recognition practices, clearer role definition and transparent performance management. Over the subsequent 6-12 months, voluntary resignations reduced from five to one, alongside reported improvements in staff morale, role clarity, team cohesion, continuity of care, and perceived organisational support. This critically reflective leadership project demonstrates how compassionate, adaptive and systems-based leadership approaches can address workforce instability in specialist nursing services. While context-specific, the learning offers transferable leadership insights aligned with national workforce priorities, supporting sustainable retention, workforce resilience, and strengthened organisational culture.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) is a technique for treating kidney stones. A Danish university hospital implemented a new pain management strategy focused on oral painkillers instead of intravenous opioid analgesics. This study aimed to evaluate patients' satisfaction with the new strategy during SWL and their overall treatment satisfaction. Patients were prospectively recruited in March 2020 to July 2021 and provided informed consent. A validated questionnaire was used to assess pain and satisfaction, pre- and post-treatment. Demographic information, characteristics of the kidney stone, and pain treatment were also recorded. Pain was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and satisfaction was rated using NRS 0-10. A total of 108 patients (66% men) were included, with a mean age of 56 years (SD 14.3). Most included patients (92%) received oral painkillers (paracetamol and ibuprofen) as pre-treatment pain relief, while 7% received sublingual fentanyl. Non-pharmacological pain-relieving methods, like relaxation and listening to music, were used by 64% of patients. The mean pain score during treatment was 4.9 (SD 2.9), and the median satisfaction score with pain treatment was 9 (IQR 6-10). The overall satisfaction score was 10 (IQR 8-10). 89% were highly satisfied (NRS 8-10) and willing to repeat treatment. Patients were highly satisfied with outpatient SWL and oral painkillers alone. The extensive use of non-pharmacological pain relief suggests alternative pain management strategies should be further investigated and developed.
Postoperative thirst is a common but often overlooked symptom in patients undergoing urological surgery, with potential negative effects on comfort and recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the experience of postoperative thirst in patients undergoing urological surgery and to determine the factors influencing this symptom. A descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 102 patients at the Urology Clinic of a university hospital. Data were collected using an Information Form and the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale (EDESP) and analysed through descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The mean EDESP score was 6.61 +/- 3.11, indicating a moderate level of thirst. Regression analysis showed that marital status, type of surgery, prior surgical experience, age, and duration of anaesthesia were significant predictors of thirst. Higher scores were observed among single patients, those undergoing major surgery, and those with previous surgical experience, while older age and prolonged anaesthesia were also associated with greater thirst discomfort. These findings highlight that thirst is an important postoperative symptom that requires systematic assessment. Considering individual and clinical factors in its management may improve patient comfort and contribute to the quality of nursing care in urological surgery.
The aim of the work was to evaluate the perceived impact of postgraduate urology education on the knowledge, confidence and career development of non-medical professionals. In addition, to assess implications for service delivery and cost savings in the context of evolving healthcare roles and workforce pressure. The objectives were firstly to assess the personal and professional development outcomes for nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) who completed urology education programmes. Secondly, to explore changes in clinical service delivery, including the implementation of new procedures and clinics. Thirdly, to estimate cost savings and time efficiencies gained through role expansion, and finally, to identify any challenges associated with role development. A mixed-methods survey was administered to three cohorts of students who completed modules or full postgraduate urology programmes. Data was collected via an online questionnaire developed and piloted by the education team comprising Likert scale items and open-ended questions. Thirty-three responses of quantitative data were analysed independently by two researchers using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Ethical approval was granted by Edge Hill University (Ref: ETH2223-0246) for the study, including participant recruitment and data collection. Informed consent was obtained, and participants' confidentiality was maintained throughout. The majority of participants reported increased confidence, knowledge relating to urology and role development. Many expanded their roles by introducing new clinical services, and some assumed leadership roles in service development. A cost-benefit analysis demonstrated measuring savings linked to task shifting, particularly when nurses undertook local anaesthetic prostate biopsy (LATP) and flexible cystoscopies. The work concluded that postgraduate urology education for nurses and allied urology staff leads to significant workforce benefits and supports NHS service resilience. Further research is required to evaluate long-term impact and national scalability. Future research should also explore patient outcomes and organisational factors influencing the role expansion.
Enuresis is a common pathological condition in children aged 6–12 years and adolescents, with percentages varying from 10% to 12% and 1%, respectively. It is mainly associated with genetic causes because a family history of enuresis is one of the main risk factors for suffering from the disease. Its pathophysiological mechanisms are still under discussion. However, it is mainly associated with deficiency at the level of hormones, such as antidiuretics, which are altered with circadian cycles, parasympathetic system alterations and sphincter-level problems. To determine the association between the development of enuresis as an early marker in children presenting neurological and behavioural problems. The review found 14 articles that support the strong association between enuresis and various behavioural alterations in children and adolescents, as well as neuropsychological, growth and learning problems. With the advancement of multidisciplinary health teams and a better understanding of conditions that were previously considered part of the expected growth process, it has been recognised that enuresis can be an early clinical sign of mental conditions that, if not addressed, can affect the quality of life and socialisation capacity of children in adulthood. The evidence provided so far shows a strong relationship between enuresis and problems of depression, anxiety, hyperactivity and issues such as obsessive–compulsive syndrome, among others, allowing paediatric urology an early approach to the identification of the issues at the mental health level, even before they are very evident, proposing an alternative for alerting and managing this type of patient.
What is known about the illness experience of women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome? Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome is a rare, chronic condition of the urinary bladder that affects women nine times more often than men. Without appropriate treatment, it can severely impact quality of life and psychosocial well-being. Achieving a deeper, gender-specific understanding of the illness experience is crucial for empowering women to develop effective self-management and coping strategies. Existing scientific literature presents a fragmented perspective on patients' experiences. To provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence, a scoping review was conducted following the JBI methodology, guided by the Illness Constellation Model by Morse and Johnson. Out of 1206 hits, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria, varying in research design, methodological reporting precision, and inclusion criteria. Most of the evidence referred to the Stage of Striving to Regain Self, with no results clearly addressing the Stage of Uncertainty. All results were based on the perspectives of affected women, with four studies including expert opinions. However, none of the studies included direct information from family members, whose perspectives were inferred indirectly. The evidence highlighted the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive challenges experienced throughout the illness. Women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome face significant challenges that affect their family life, relationships, and career, though research on family interactions is limited. Well-being is closely linked to self-management, partner support, and coping mechanisms, but what constitutes effective self-management from the women's perspective remains unclear. The review calls for more qualitative research, methodological transparency, and improved support and awareness in healthcare practices. The Illness Constellation Model appears insufficient to fully capture the experiences of individuals with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder pain syndrome, particularly the recurring nature of uncertainty throughout the illness trajectory. Future research should aim for a deeper understanding of successful self-management and coping strategies, including the role and perspectives of family members.
