The role of the PT in incontinence: innovation and communication to improve patient care.

Physical therapists play a vital role in the management and treatment of incontinence patients, and as a result, a variety of innovations in the field have been made. However, incontinence management is not limited to the PT. Providing the best care to incontinent patients requires open communication among professions, disciplines, and care settings where incontinence specialists may be found. To help illustrate this point, a professional opinion survey was sent to leading PTs and RNs who conservatively treat and manage incontinence. Respondents were asked about the following: entry point, preparation, and practice setting; general practice description; assessment and treatment; individual practice innovations; what is unique to physical therapy and nursing; and interaction between the professions. Twenty-six (26) responses were received. While responses varied among PTs and RNs, both professions agreed that musculoskeletal assessment and treatment were unique contributions of physical therapy while medical/surgical expertise and pharmacologic issues were unique contributions of nursing to the field of incontinence. Although this article focuses in particular on the physical therapist's role in incontinence management, survey results revealed that, overall, knowledge and open communication between the professions is key in the management and treatment of incontinence patients.