Resources

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).

Catching it early: recognising prostate cancer in asymptomatic men
By: Improving care team, Prostate Cancer UK
 
Many men with prostate cancer do not experience symptoms until the disease has spread. This means that they risk being diagnosed too late when the cancer is incurable. Nurses are in a unique position, as they are ideally placed to recognise men at higher risk of prostate cancer.  

Continence is not a life-threatening condition but does affect patient quality of life. The first part in this new continence clinical skills series explores continence issues and how to improve patient care. It looks at the prevalence of the condition, different types of continence issues, how they can affect quality of life and the complications that can occur when poorly managed.

Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) is the damage occurring in response to prolonged skin exposure to moisture and incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is the most recognised form of MASD. IAD impacts physical, psychological and social health and is challenging for healthcare professionals to accurately identify and effectively treat. 

Over 20 million people suffer from some form of bladder or bowel issue in the UK (NHS England, 2018). Continece problems can be caused by a number of factors, particularly vaginal childbirth (Barrie, 2015). This article discusses the recently published guidance document from the Royal Collage of Nursing (RCN), Bladder and bowel care in childbirth (RCN, 2021) - providing information for women throughout pregnancy, labour and into the postnatal period.

Urological conditions will affect one in two people during the course of their lifetime, yet they remain shrouded in secrecy and silence. This article highlights the work of The Urology Foundation, the only medical charity which works across the breadth of all urology diseases and is dedicated to improving the nation’s urological health.

It is easy to say you are holding an awareness month, but let’s consider the why, what and how.

This article examines the guidance available for school leaders, proprietors, governors, staff and practitioners to help them better support children and young people with bladder and bowel issues as they return to school.

Urinary incontinence is prevalent in men, with 61% of the general population of men experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms. These symptoms present as problems with voiding, storage or post-micturition of urine. Even after assessment and treatment, some men are still left with urinary incontinence, which is normally managed or contained by either pad products or urinary catheters (if clinically indicated). However, there is a vast range of alternative devices for containment. This article reviews some of the alternative devices that are available, namely sheaths, body worn urinals and penile compression clamps. It discusses the merits and disadvantages of each device and advises when they should or should not be used.