A person's quality of life can be significantly impacted by continence problems, which can influence social confidence, emotional stability, and physical health. In order to determine the underlying cause of bladder or bowel issues and develop individualised treatment programs, a comprehensive and caring continence assessment is required.
However, what should you anticipate from an in-home continence assessment in Sydney? Let’s find out –
Review of Medical History
The evaluation starts with a thorough review of the patient's medical background, which includes:
- Current medical conditions (e.g., neurological diseases, diabetes)
- Prior operations (particularly those pertaining to the prostate or pelvis)
- Drugs that could interfere with bowel or bladder function
- Lifestyle aspects (diet, physical exercise, and fluid intake)
Assessment of Symptoms
The continence nurse specialists in Sydney will enquire about:
- Regularity and urgency of bowel or urine motions
- Overflow, urge, and stress incontinence are examples of leakage episodes.
- Nocturia, or the need to urinate at night
- Discomfort or pain when removing
Physical Inspection
A physical examination could consist of:
- Examining the abdomen to look for bladder distension
- Assessment of the pelvic floor muscles (prostate check for men, vaginal exam for women)
- Neurological examinations to evaluate nerve function associated with the regulation of the bladder and intestines
Diary of Bladder and Bowel
For a few days, patients may be requested to keep a journal in which they would record:
- Drinking fluids
- Frequency and volume of bowel and urine movements
- Events involving leaks and potential causes
Why Is Assessment of Continence Important?
Early and precise evaluation is beneficial. Here’s why –
- Determine which problems are curable (prostate enlargement, pelvic floor dysfunction, UTIs).
- Avoid problems, such as kidney damage and skin infections.
- Describe the available treatment options (medication, surgery, pelvic floor exercises).
A thorough, patient-centred method for identifying and treating issues with bladder or bowel control is a continence assessment. The first step to successful treatment and better health is to have a professional evaluation if you or a loved one is suffering from incontinence.
Considerable research has demonstrated the benefits of compression garments for conditions including wound management and oedema, but little research has investigated their use in women with urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders.
SRC Health conducted a survey of users of SRC Restore mini shorts (a new continence garment) with the aims of: providing information about the comfort of this new continence garment and investigating whether the new garment helps to improve continence and quality of life (QOL) in participants.
