Resources

It is estimated that one in 12 children and young people in the UK suffer with a wetting or soiling problem, which can have a devastating impact on their family life, social life and self-esteem. Left untreated, bladder and bowel problems can cause serious health complications, but with the right treatment and support most children can overcome their problem or learn to manage it. This article outlines what ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity, can do to help.

‘Urinary incontinence is among the most common paediatric problems and it is commonly assumed to resolve with age. Consequently, parents and clinicians often adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach. A significant proportion of children, however, continue to suffer from persistent urinary incontinence into adolescence. This article describes the development of a smartphone app to aid adherence to bladder training in young people with urinary incontinence.

Indwelling urinary catheters are still one of the most commonly used invasive devices in health care, with recognised significant risk factors, including catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CaUTI) and sepsis. Timely and successful removal of the catheter often falls to the responsibility of community nurses. There has been much debate about the optimum timing and circumstances for a successful trial without catheter (TWOC). This article looks at best practice guidelines and relevant clinical evidence to support healthcare professionals in making choices around TWOC procedures.

World Continence Week (WCW), taking place from 21–27 June, is an annual health campaign run by the World Federation for Incontinence and Pelvic Problems (WFIPP). The campaign highlights the impact that urinary incontinence can have on people’s lives and encourages sufferers to seek help to improve their quality of life.

Current Covid restrictions have forced many healthcare professionals to embrace technology and work in very different ways. Indeed, the traditional telephone has allowed the Newcastle continence service to provide a service to patients referred with all types of urinary incontinence. But, is it even possible to assess someone’s continence and devise a treatment plan over the telephone?

The maintenance of skin pH is essential if it is to provide a barrier to the outside world. This article examines how skin pH is maintained normally, what can disrupt it and the consequences of change. Finally, best practice guidance on restoring and maintaining a healthy skin pH and barrier function is provided.  
 

As a clinician, it is important that you are aware of the latest products and innovations that have the potential to improve outcomes for you and your patients. Each month, UCCT will highlight a product that is new, improved or innovative in order to keep you up to date.
 
Here, we present GentleCath™ Glide, a hydrophilic urinary catheter that uses FeelClean™ Technology to facilitate smooth, fast and convenient intermittent catheterisation.

As a clinician, it is important that you are aware of the latest products and innovations that have the potential to improve outcomes for you and your patients. Each month, UCCT will highlight a product that is new, improved or innovative in order to keep you up to date.

Here, we present PROSHIELD^◊ Skin Care, which is formulated for the prevention and management of Incontinence-associated dermatitis on both intact and injured skin.

Patients in the community often have a long-term catheter in place and so their management inevitably becomes the responsibility of community nurses. As urinary incontinence can cause patients discomfort and have a negative impact on their day-to-day life, it is important that healthcare professionals understand the reasons for catheterisation and are aware of the different treatment options available, such as urethral and suprapubic, in order to provide patients with the most suitable device according to their needs and lifestyle. This paper explores the issues involved with indwelling catheterisation and looks at one new product range that aims to promote patient comfort and reduce associated risks.

Here, Sharon Holroyd, lead CNS, Calderdale Bladder and Bowel Service; chairperson, Yorkshire ACA, defines stress urinary incontinence and the treatment options available, and reviews the evidence to support pelvic floor exercises as an effective rehabilitation for patients with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence.