Citation: Journal of Advanced Nursing 2014, 70(3), 476-96
Author: Flanagan L, Roe B, Jack B, Shaw C, Williams KS, Chung A, Barrett J
Abstract: AIM: Review of intervention studies of associated factors with incontinence as the
primary outcome in older people in care homes to identify and inform practice
and future research.
BACKGROUND: Incontinence is highly prevalent among care home populations. Previous
reviews of descriptive and intervention studies have used urinary incontinence
as the primary outcome.
DESIGN: Systematic review and narrative summary.
DATA SOURCES: Electronic searches of English empirical studies undertaken using MEDLINE and
CINAHL from January 1966-May 2010. All relevant empirical designs were selected
from MEDLINE highly sensitive search strings from the Cochrane Incontinence
Review Group, modified to exclude surgical and pharmacological studies REVIEW
METHODS: The PRISMA statement was followed and established methods for
systematic review to produce a narrative summary.
RESULTS: Nine studies identified relating to associated factors with the management of
incontinence in care homes. Factors included economic data, skin care, exercise
studies, staff quality and prompted voiding adherence and the promotion of
continence by the management of dehydration and incontinence.
CONCLUSION: Managing incontinence and promoting continence in care homes is complex,
requiring time and cost-efficient management procedures to contain the problem
and deliver quality, achievable care. When developing and designing systems of
care in care homes, it is important to also recognize the impact of associated
factors. As with any healthcare intervention programme, resources are required
to implement the protocols. Economic evaluation studies are limited, with
further studies warranted alongside preventative studies to maintain long-term
continence in these populations.
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