References
Urinary incontinence: implications for nursing practice
Abstract
Urinary incontinence, encompassing stress, urge, and overflow types, significantly impacts patients' physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. This article provides an overview of each type, exploring their pathophysiology, risk factors, and clinical presentations. It emphasises the crucial role of nursing and discusses evidence-based management strategies, including behavioural therapies, pharmacological treatments and patient education. The article also addresses the impact of incontinence on quality of life and future directions for research and practice, advocating a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient outcomes.
Excellent continence and bladder care are crucial to improve the overall quality of care patients receive. The Essence of Care best practice statements, first published in 2003 and updated in 2010, aim to share best practice among healthcare trusts to enhance overall care quality, including in continence care (NHS Modernisation Agency, 2003; Department of Health, 2010). However, continence care often falls below acceptable standards.
Nurses, regardless of their role, must have a comprehensive understanding of normal urinary system anatomy and physiology to effectively anticipate and manage potential issues and provide safe and appropriate care (Seifter et al, 2021). Urinary tract infections and incontinence are prevalent issues related to urinary elimination, emphasising the importance of promoting bladder health and continence in healthcare settings (Seifter et al, 2021). Continence care extends beyond specific nursing specialties and includes all health professionals, particularly those caring for pregnant women and older adults. Identifying risk factors and implementing strategies to promote continence can significantly impact their wellbeing. Patient engagement in continence care can lead to a more patient-centred approach, potentially improving treatment adherence and overall satisfaction (Seifter et al, 2021).
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