Continence care Resources

01 December 2021
Bladder and bowel difficulties affect 20% and 10% of the UK population, respectively (Percival et al, 2021). This is most likely not an accurate reflection of the true scale of this often under-reported health issue. Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause symptoms relating to many different systems and its management involves numerous modalities. The management of bladder, bowel and pelvic floor dysfunction should be delivered in the community via general practitioners, pelvic health physiotherapists and bladder and bowel services. An effective multidisciplinary approach using pathways to reduce secondary care involvement unless required should be adopted. Post Covid, community bladder and bowel services are recovering from prolonged redeployment, a backlog of cancelled patients and a rising waiting list. Acute services are the same, with even bigger backlogs for benign lower urinary tract dysfunction and prolapse assessment. Scrutiny of current bladder and bowel services across new clinical commissioning group (CCG) collaborations will undoubtedly uncover the disparity in quality of service provision. 
Topics:  gold standard
01 October 2021
Urinary and faecal incontinence are common in the older population, yet incontinence is not a normal part of ageing. Dementia can impact upon a person’s ability to remain continent, yet incontinence is unlikely to be a symptom of dementia until the latter stages of disease progression. There is a misconception that nothing can be done if a person with dementia experiences episodes of incontinence. However, many people with dementia often experience functional incontinence caused by immobility, communication difficulties, disorientation, or the inability to find the toilet, which can all be alleviated if the right support and advice is available. Improving the identification, assessment and management of continence issues can not only enable people with dementia to maintain their dignity and improve their health, but also their sense of wellbeing and quality of life. There is also the possibility to improve relationships, reduce carer burden, and reduce the risk of a premature transition into a residential care setting. This fourth paper in the series explores some of the issues relating to dementia and continence and the impact as experienced by our two case studies, Dhriti Singh and Gregory Brewin.
Topics:  Incontinence
01 August 2021
The definition of incontinence is acknowledged as any involuntary loss of urine or the inability to control the bowels (International Continence Society [ICS], 2013). It is not a life-threatening condition, but has a significant and distressing effect on the physical, psychological and social quality of life of those affected (Lukacz et al, 2011). Isolation, anxiety, depression and embarrassment are commonly reported by people who have a bladder or bowel issue (Wan and Wang, 2014). Urinary incontinence is more common than breast cancer, heart disease or diabetes among older women (Sexton et al, 2011; Tannenbaum et al, 2013). Incontinence is not gender or age specific, it can affect people of all cultures at any point from childhood to old age and can have devastating implications for the individual and their family. Many people may fail to seek help with incontinence for years due to embarrassment and stigma.
01 December 2020
Have you ever felt confused by the wide range of products available for managing incontinence and toileting problems? How do you help your patients decide which products might suit their needs? And, how can you be sure that you are basing your clinical decisions on the best available research evidence? The Continence Product Advisor (CPA) aims to be the answer to your problems.
Topics:  Products
01 December 2020
The Urology Foundation (TUF) is the only medical charity which works across the breadth of all urology diseases and is dedicated to improving the nation’s urological health through the investment of cutting-edge research and the training and education of urology professionals.
Topics:  Prostate cancer
01 December 2020
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common consequence of radical prostatectomy for which men often feel unprepared despite the provision of information about treatment and management. The aim of this study was to explore from the patient’s perspective the nature of information and support men require to aid adjustment to daily life with UI. In a qualitative study using a convenience sample, recruited men (n=35) were aged over 18 years old and were less than 18 months post radical prostatectomy. Data were collected using interviews and a thematic analysis was performed. The study identified that men need less rather than more information, which should be succinct, and focused on management of incontinence to enable them to cope with daily activities. Effective management strategies rather than an overreliance on treatment methods, which may be ineffective, were also key to enabling successful adjustment. Men need clarity about care pathways, including access to appropriate contact information. Finally, men describe the confusion experienced when choosing containment products and require clear, concise information. 
01 May 2015

Like many other areas of the NHS, community nursing has suffered from underfunding and a lack of understanding of its true value. However, more recently, there has been a surge in interest in community nursing and a growing appreciation of its potential. Ensuring community nursing is ‘fit for purpose’ is fundamental.

Topics:  Continence care