Supporting women with toileting in palliative care: use of the female urinal for bladder management.

Abstract

This study explored whether a female urinal is an acceptable, safe and effective product to meet the toileting requirements of women receiving palliative care on oncology wards in hospitals. There is minimal evidence on how urinary incontinence should be managed in women receiving palliative care. Female urinals may present an option. There have been two general reviews of products, but no formal evaluation since 1999. This qualitative interview study used semi-structured interviews. Eleven healthy volunteers, 9 patients and 7 staff members used (or assisted with) a VernaFem (Vernacare) female urinal and were subsequently interviewed. Directed content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. User testing confirmed that the VernaFem is an acceptable, safe and effective product. Design improvements were suggested. While unlikely to be suitable for all patients, hospitals should consider offering a female urinal to patients in receipt of palliative care.