A Review and Case Study of Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI), the involuntary leakage of urine due to the loss or weakened control of the urinary sphincter, is a crucial subject of medicine that has physiological, psychological, and sociological complications [25]. Urinary incontinence can range from mild leakage to an overflow amount of urine. Although this is a common problem affecting millions of Americans, it is not often a subject of discussion because it can be embarrassing for people to talk about, even with their physicians [2]. Physiologically unpleasant for patients, UI can also be emotionally demeaning, decreasing self-concept and perceived body image. UI can be divided into transient (acute) incontinence and chronic incontinence; they both have significant effects on the patient despite one lasting longer than the other. Causes of incontinence can originate from a variety of causes. Research indicates urinary incontinence may be related to genetic factors, biological aspects, and physiological characteristics [14]. Treatment for incontinence includes behavioral, pharmacological, and surgical interventions, as well as catheterization. Appropriate treatment is based the individual's current situation and follows evaluation of which treatment option will provide the best opportunity for the highest quality of life.

Understanding how to facilitate continence for people with dementia in acute hospital settings: a mixed methods systematic review and thematic synthesis

“…These factors are also associated with a greater financial burden, prolonged hospitalisation, re-admission, and increased mortality [ 29 – 31 ]. Incontinence is recognised as potentially emotionally demeaning [ 32 ], humiliating, and embarrassing [ 33 ] for the person, and combined with dementia, increases the stigma [ 34 ] PLWD already experience [ 35 – 37 ], which can have significant negative impacts on quality of life [ 38 ].…”

Strategies to Inform Innovations in Continence Care for People Living with Dementia in the Acute Hospital Setting: A Mixed Methods Narrative Synthesis Review

“…These factors are also associated with a greater nancial burden, prolonged hospitalisation, re-admission and increased mortality [29][30][31]. Incontinence can also be emotionally demeaning for patients [32] as well as being humiliating and embarrassing [33] and, combined with dementia, it increases the stigma [34] that PLWD already experience [35][36][37] which can have signi cant negative impacts on quality of life [38].…”