| Abstract: | A survey was sent to the total (531) membership of two British organisations of physiotherapists who treat patients with urinary continence problems. They were asked about aspects of current physiotherapy treatment of male urinary incontinence. Replies were received from 319, giving a response rate of 60%. Twenty-six physiotherapists did not treat continence patients. Female continence problems were treated by 293 respondents; of these only 81 treated male continence problems. In the 12 months prior to the survey, the respondents had treated only 390 male patients. Most post-prostatectomy out patients (70%) were taught pelvic floor exercises. Many (50% of all patients) were given bladder training, few (20% in the department and 8% at home) received electrical stimulation and even fewer (7%) received biofeedback. Most patients were given advice on fluid intake (68%), caffeine products (69%), alcohol intake (55%) and bulbar massage (32%). The main problems identified were lack of referrals and lack of training. |
