WUTH publication: Systematic review of care intervention studies for the management of incontinence and promotion of continence in older people in care homes with urinary incontinence as the primary focus (1966-2010)

Citation: Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2012 Jun 7;

Authors: Flanagan L, Roe B, Jack B, Barrett J, Chung A, Shaw C, Williams KS

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to compare published studies of care interventions for the management and promotion of continence, with urinary incontinence as the primary focus, in older care home residents. Incontinence is a prevalent and serious problem amongst older people in care homes, with an increasing international focus. MEDLINE and CINAHL searches via OVID (January 1966 to May 2010) were carried out, with studies limited to English language publications only. Included in this search were studies investigating urinary and fecal incontinence in people aged 65 years or older in care homes. Studies on surgical or pharmacological interventions or fecal incontinence alone were excluded. A total of 33 interventional studies were identified. Toileting programs and incontinence pads are the mainstays of treatment, with some studies implying significant economic and labor costs. Drug therapy as an adjunct to toileting programs has so far shown only moderate benefits. Combined physical therapy/behavioral therapies have shown effective short-term improvements. Adaptations to physical environment and staff training techniques might also be paramount. Exercise and Functional Incidental Training programs, although expensive, might provide additional benefit by reducing wetness rates and improving appropriate toileting rates. Combined complex behavioral interventions are now a common feature and their effectiveness for the management of urinary incontinence should be determined in future studies. Studies including long-term effectiveness on maintaining continence with full economic evaluation are also warranted in this population.
Link to Pubmed record

WUTH publication: Pre-operative assessment of elective surgical patients

Citation: Nurs Stand. 2012 Mar 28-Apr 3;26(30):51-6; quiz 58

Authors: Pritchard MJ

Abstract: Patients due to undergo elective surgery who are not considered to be medically fit, may have their operation postponed or even cancelled. Not only will this result in significant anxiety for the person, but it will also have financial implications for the hospital, in terms of lost theatre time. In an attempt to prevent postponing or cancelling scheduled surgery, pre-operative assessment is essential to ensure that the patient is physically and emotionally prepared. This article examines the main components of pre-operative assessment and how addressing any problems before surgery can help to improve post-operative outcomes for patients.

Link to Pubmed record

BNF app for smartphones is launched!

The NICE British National Formulary (BNF) app has been developed to provide easy access to the latest up-to-date prescribing information from the BNF - the most widely-used medicines information resource within the NHS.

It is available to download for free by health and social care professionals who work for or who are contracted by NHS England.

Users will need to enter their NHS Athens username and password to activate the app and download the content. Find out more at NHS Athens.

For more details and to download the app.