Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults Takes Collaborative Nursing Efforts to Improve

Abstract

There is a misconception that urinary incontinence (UI) in older adults, usually above the age of 65 is a part of aging. More than 50% of residents in long-term care (LTC) settings are affected by UI and it is associated in many cases with markedly reduced quality of life. It has become evident that incontinence can be cured or successfully managed. However, many nurses lack sufficient knowledge to intervene appropriately. The purpose of this review is to share how the collaborative efforts of nurses at all levels may lead to increased assessment and interventions of UI in this population.

Understanding Nursing Knowledge of Continence Care and Bladder Scanner Use in Long-Term Care: An Evaluation Study

“…The use of bladder scanners in LTC focuses on the needs and services for the older and often frail populations. Older adults are at higher risk for bladder dysfunction and because continence care is an important quality of life indicator for people living in LTC, it is essential for health care providers to accurately assess residents for bladder problems (Caliskan et al, 2019; Dingwall, 2008; McDaniel et al, 2020; Newman et al, 2005). The responses from participants in this study highlight their understanding of the benefit of using the bladder scanners, yet the uptake of their use is still limited in the nursing care staff’s routine practice and management of continence issues.…”

Aging and geriatric palliative care

“…The quality of life is impaired in urinary incontinence and with the limitation of physical activity. Furthermore; the incidences of hypertension, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, and psycho-social problems increase in this age group (23).…”

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Cumulative Anticholinergic Burden Among Older Long-Stay Nursing Home Residents with Overactive Bladder

“…Treatment patterns related to OAB within the nursing home setting are also not fully characterized, which is of particular concern given the overall health of these individuals as well as the potential for adverse events associated with polypharmacy [6]. Although comprehensive treatment guidelines exist, current literature indicates that the management of OAB/UI in the nursing home setting is challenging [7,8]. Behavioral interventions are recommended as first-line treatment; however, multiple studies have found that nursing home staff do not have the adequate training or knowledge to manage OAB/UI using these techniques [8][9][10].…”

“…Although comprehensive treatment guidelines exist, current literature indicates that the management of OAB/UI in the nursing home setting is challenging [7,8]. Behavioral interventions are recommended as first-line treatment; however, multiple studies have found that nursing home staff do not have the adequate training or knowledge to manage OAB/UI using these techniques [8][9][10]. Following behavioral therapies, the first line of pharmacotherapy in OAB patients typically consists of antimuscarinic agents, which are part of the group of oral anticholinergic medications [11].…”