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.
Highlights
Advanced practice nurses are in a unique position to provide healthcare services to this group of healthcare professionals to avert the adverse consequences of untreated Urinary incontinence (UI) and decrease associated morbidity of the residents affected
It is a well-known fact that nursing homes in the United States are highly regulated; current recommendations and guidelines mandated by the federal government for UI evaluation and treatment have fallen short, as mechanisms already in place have not resulted in the desired level of care [9]
The nurses can play a pivotal role in assessment and management this plan of care is not implemented and generally, the nurses in nursing homes are not performing assessments of residents with UI owing to identified environmental barriers, such as work overload and lower prioritization of UI [10]; rather concentration is on containment of urine, by use of absorbent products, without determining confounding variables [11]
Summary
Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as the complaint of any involuntary leakage of urine [1]. Advanced practice nurses are in a unique position to provide healthcare services (i.e., training) to this group of healthcare professionals to avert the adverse consequences of untreated UI and decrease associated morbidity of the residents affected. It is a well-known fact that nursing homes in the United States are highly regulated; current recommendations and guidelines mandated by the federal government for UI evaluation and treatment have fallen short, as mechanisms already in place have not resulted in the desired level of care [9]. Improving UI care practices in nursing homes requires a combination of education and cheerleading
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
