Continence for Women: Evidence-Based Practice |
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| Authors: | Carolyn M. Sampselle RNC PhD FAAN Patricia A. Burns NP PhD FAAN Molly C. Dougherty RN PhD FAAN Diane Kaschak Newman RNC MSN FAAN Karen Kelly Thomas RNC PhD Jean F. Wyman RN PhD CS FAAN |
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| Affiliation: | Carolyn M. Sampselle is an associate professor of nursing and women's studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.;Patricia A. Burns is dean of the University of South Florida, Tampa.;Molly C. Dougherty is the Frances Hill Fox Professor, Department of Community and Mental Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.;Diane Kaschak Newman is an adult nurse practitioner at Access to Continence Care and Treatment, Philadelphi, PA.;Karen Kelly Thomas is the director of research, Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses, Washington, DC.;Jean F. Wyman is a professor of adult health nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. |
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| Abstract: | Approximately 20% of women ages 25–64 years experience urinary incontinence. The symptoms increase during perimenopause, when 31% of women report that they experience incontinent episodes at least once per month. Bladder training and pelvic muscle exercise are the recommended initial treatment and can be taught effectively in the ambulatory care setting. Bladder training enables women to accommodate greater volumes of urine and extend between-voiding intervals. Pelvic muscle exercise increases muscle strength and reduces unwanted urine leakage. Accumulated research results provide evidence-based guidelines for nursing practice. The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses has identified continence for women as the focus of its third research utilization project. This article presents the rationale, evidence base, and educational strategies compiled by the Research Utilization 3 Nurse Scientist Team. Nurses can enable women to incorporate these noninvasive techniques into self-care. |
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