Wafa Trad1, Kelli Flowers1, Jennifer Caldwell1, Mariana S Sousa2,3,4, Gia Vigh1, Lucylynn Lizarondo5, Julia Gaudin1, Dianne Hooper1, Deborah Parker2,3,6. 1. Liverpool Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia. 2. Centre for Applied Clinical Research, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia. 3. Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia. 4. Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. 5. Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia. 6. Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this implementation project were to review the nursing assessment and management of adult patients with urinary and fecal incontinence, and to develop local guidelines and ward-based continence assessment tools to assist nursing staff in assessing and managing incontinence. INTRODUCTION: Urinary or fecal incontinence in acute care hospitals is a growing issue that can lead to constipation, depression, breakdown of skin integrity, increased nursing home placement of older patients, increased length of hospital stay, and escalated healthcare costs. In many cases, incontinence can be treated and managed effectively; however, it is poorly understood and under-prioritized in many hospital settings. METHODS: A pre-post intervention chart audit was conducted to review compliance with 10 best-practice criteria for incontinence assessment and management. Following baseline data analysis, barriers to compliance with the criteria were identified and subsequently addressed using targeted strategies. The project utilized the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and the Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) tools. RESULTS: Education on continence strategies was delivered to nursing staff, which resulted in improved compliance for all audit criteria. There were notable improvements in the nursing documentation, and assessment and management of patients with urinary and/or fecal incontinence in the post-intervention analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that nursing education and formalized assessment pathways in an acute setting can improve nursing compliance with the assessment and management of patients with either urinary or fecal incontinence to ensure safe, compassionate and person-centered care.
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this implementation project were to review the nursing assessment and management of adult patients with urinary and fecal incontinence, and to develop local guidelines and ward-based continence assessment tools to assist nursing staff in assessing and managing incontinence. INTRODUCTION: Urinary or fecal incontinence in acute care hospitals is a growing issue that can lead to constipation, depression, breakdown of skin integrity, increased nursing home placement of older patients, increased length of hospital stay, and escalated healthcare costs. In many cases, incontinence can be treated and managed effectively; however, it is poorly understood and under-prioritized in many hospital settings. METHODS: A pre-post intervention chart audit was conducted to review compliance with 10 best-practice criteria for incontinence assessment and management. Following baseline data analysis, barriers to compliance with the criteria were identified and subsequently addressed using targeted strategies. The project utilized the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and the Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) tools. RESULTS: Education on continence strategies was delivered to nursing staff, which resulted in improved compliance for all audit criteria. There were notable improvements in the nursing documentation, and assessment and management of patients with urinary and/or fecal incontinence in the post-intervention analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that nursing education and formalized assessment pathways in an acute setting can improve nursing compliance with the assessment and management of patients with either urinary or fecal incontinence to ensure safe, compassionate and person-centered care.