Leah Holderbaum, OTR, CBIS, ATP, presents “Intermittent Self-Catheterization: The Role of the Occupational Therapist.”
How to cite: Holderbaum, Leah. “Intermittent Self-Catheterization: The Role of the Occupational Therapist.” Grand Rounds in Urology. Published September 8, 2025. Accessed Oct 2026. https://grandroundsinurology.com/intermittent-self-catheterization-the-role-of-the-occupational-therapist/
Intermittent Self-Catheterization: The Role of the Occupational Therapist – Summary
Diane K. Newman, DNP, ANP-BC, FAAN, FAUNA, BCB-PMD, Urology and Pelvic Floor Nurse Specialist, University of Pennsylvania; Adjunct Professor of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, Emerita, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, introduces Leah Holderbaum, OTR, CBIS, ATP, an occupational therapist. In this 34-minute presentation, Leah Holderbaum addresses the role of occupational therapy in intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) education. She explains that effective ISC teaching requires a holistic view of the patient, considering functional performance, dexterity, balance, personal roles, environmental challenges, and financial factors. She reviews catheter features—length, French size, tip type, lubrication, coating, grippers, and material—and links these to patient independence.
Leah Holderbaum demonstrates positioning strategies for male and female anatomy in bed, in wheelchairs, and on commodes, emphasizing hip angle, posterior pelvic tilt, clothing management, and use of urinals or extension tubing. She presents adaptive equipment such as catheter inserters, clamps, and cath lap systems, showing how these tools address dexterity limits, contamination prevention, and supply management.
Leah Holderbaum advocates for interdisciplinary, reality-based, and responsive teaching that enables problem-solving in varied environments. She stresses that collaboration with OTs can transform dependence into independence, improving health outcomes and quality of life.
