Enuresis services: carers' knowledge and attitudes

The research described in this article examines parents' and carers of children with bedwetting (enuresis) problems' attitudes to, and knowledge of, enuresis and enuresis services in southern Derbyshire. A specialist enuresis service was already running in this area and the continence nurse advisor (children's services) had noted a high number of referrals complaining about lack of knowledge prior to attending clinic and a lack of clarity and continuity of advice given by other health professionals. The specialist continence service needed to be needs-led and validated as an appropriate and adequate service. Following a literature search and pilot study, a questionnaire was sent to parents of children who had been referred to the clinic in the previous year. Analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical package. Results showed a high value being given to the specialist nurse-led service by parents and children and a high amount of conflicting, non-evidence based advice being given to parents and carers from various health professionals prior to referral to the specialist nurse. The results of the study led to the formulation of recommendations to improve services available to children with enuresis, their parents and carers.