Resources

Like many organisations and charities, the Covid-19 pandemic hastened a rapid period of adaptation and diversification at ERIC, The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity. Here, Alina Lynden, ERIC’s communications manager explains how the charity has risen to the challenge. 

Pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence are common problems experienced by women of all ages. This article, the first in a two-part series, discusses the signs and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.  

Meg Burgess is a Specialist Nurse at Prostate Cancer UK, providing support and information to anyone diagnosed with or concerned about a prostate problem via telephone, email, and live chat services. In this article, Meg talks about  why fatigue support is needed, how it is delivered at Prostate Cancer UK, and the small changes men can make to help reduce the impact of fatigue on their quality of life.

The fourth and final part of the continence clinical skills series identifies how continence problems, which may not have responded to conservative treatment/ interventions, can be managed by the appropriate use of equipment/devices and products. The range available is vast and variable and some are more suitable to specific conditions than others. Healthcare professionals need to understand how they work to offer the best solution for individuals and their lifestyle. Products include, for example, commodes, urinals, sheaths, catheters, anal irrigation and pad products. This article specifically looks at equipment/devices and products for urinary retention, e.g. catheters; urinary incontinence, e.g. sheaths, pubic pressure devices; and faecal incontinence, e.g. anal plugs, transanal irrigation (TAI) and pad products.

Urinary and faecal incontinence are common in the older population, yet incontinence is not a normal part of ageing. Dementia can impact upon a person’s ability to remain continent, yet incontinence is unlikely to be a symptom of dementia until the latter stages of disease progression. There is a misconception that nothing can be done if a person with dementia experiences episodes of incontinence. However, many people with dementia often experience functional incontinence caused by immobility, communication difficulties, disorientation, or the inability to find the toilet, which can all be alleviated if the right support and advice is available. 

Rectal interventions are a fundamental part of nursing care across all settings aimed at establishing whether effective bowel emptying is taking place. It is prudent for all clinicians to review their current knowledge and practice to ensure that they are following the latest evidence-based guidance for safe and effective practice. 

The third part of the continence clinical skills series identifies what conservative therapies and treatments are available to treat bladder and/or bowel dysfunction. This includes a range of treatment options which can be provided by practitioners/clinicians from a multitude of healthcare professional disciplines. It highlights simple interventions, such as lifestyle changes, i.e. from diet, fluid, smoking and weight loss advice, up to the more complicated treatment options such as pelvic floor rehabilitation, bladder retraining and use of medication. 

Functional constipation is a significant problem in childhood, not only due to its prevalence, but also the impact that it has on quality of life for the affected child and their families. However, the symptoms are often unrecognised by both parents and healthcare professionals, perpetuating the problem. 

As Specialist Nurses at Prostate Cancer UK, we provide information and support to thousands of men living with and concerned about prostate cancer.

The second part of a continence clinical skills series looks at the requirements to undertake a basic continence assessment for bladder and/or bowel dysfunction. Assessment is the first step in identifying the type of continence issue an individual may suffer from. It should identify, for example, key elements of underlying medical history, presenting symptoms and duration of problem, medications, allergies, mobility and cognitive ability. This assessment should be supported by investigations, e.g. bladder and/or bowel diary, fluid/dietary intake, urinalysis, assessment of any post-void residual urine and pelvic floor/rectal examinations (if competent in skill).