| Sumario: | Incontinence can affect individuals of any age, gender or ethnicity, and can have devastating physical, psychological, social and financial implications for both the individual and their family (Lukacz et al, 2011). Poor continence care can affect an individual's wellbeing and contribute to anxiety, depression, loss of personal relationships, prevalence of urinary infections, and even the risk of falls and skin damage (Yates, 2016; 2017b; NHS England, 2018). As continence issues are associated with poor quality of life (Yip et al, 2013), and can involve complications, it is vital that healthcare workers are well prepared to undertake a basic continence assessment in order to provide appropriate advice and care, and allow for better outcomes for the patient. This article looks at the requirements for this basic assessment, as well as interventions that may be required to assist the individual on the journey to understanding the problem. These are all necessary before implementing an appropriate treatment plan.
|
|---|