PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine if the number of incontinence episodes for an elderly female population could be decreased through an individualized continence program in a Connecticut long-term care center. METHODS: Forty-two female residents who in a long-term care facility who were incontinent or had urgency related to overactive bladder were included in the incontinence program. Total numbers of incontinent episodes for each participant were recorded 1 week prior to the study. An individualized plan of care for each patient was developed by the continence specialist and the plan of care implemented for at least 1 year. FINDINGS: After the continence specialist recommended a program of treatment and the program of treatment was implemented for 1 year, the number of UTIs (31 preintervention year; 6 postintervention year) and pressure ulcers (15 preintervention year; 2 postintervention year) were substantially decreased and the number of falls cut by more than 50% (18 preintervention; 7 postintervention). CONCLUSION: A nurse continence specialist can be used to help long-term care facilities plan a program that will direct individualized nursing interventions that will improve patient outcomes related to UTI, pressure sore and fall rates, and reduce the costs of care.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine if the number of incontinence episodes for an elderly female population could be decreased through an individualized continence program in a Connecticut long-term care center. METHODS: Forty-two female residents who in a long-term care facility who were incontinent or had urgency related to overactive bladder were included in the incontinence program. Total numbers of incontinent episodes for each participant were recorded 1 week prior to the study. An individualized plan of care for each patient was developed by the continence specialist and the plan of care implemented for at least 1 year. FINDINGS: After the continence specialist recommended a program of treatment and the program of treatment was implemented for 1 year, the number of UTIs (31 preintervention year; 6 postintervention year) and pressure ulcers (15 preintervention year; 2 postintervention year) were substantially decreased and the number of falls cut by more than 50% (18 preintervention; 7 postintervention). CONCLUSION: A nurse continence specialist can be used to help long-term care facilities plan a program that will direct individualized nursing interventions that will improve patient outcomes related to UTI, pressure sore and fall rates, and reduce the costs of care.
Authors: Jennifer Meddings; Sanjay Saint; Sarah L Krein; Elissa Gaies; Heidi Reichert; Andrew Hickner; Sara McNamara; Jason D Mann; Lona Mody Journal: J Hosp Med Date: 2017-05 Impact factor: 2.960