[Urinary incontinence in women in a geriatric ward]

Abstract

101 elderly female patients participated in a multidisciplinary programme for the diagnosis and management of urinary incontinence. Their median age was 81 years. 83 patients had been incontinent for more than 12 months. In only 23 patients was incontinence recognised as a problem prior to admission, and 69 patients claimed that they had never received any treatment for their disability. Urge and mixed incontinence were found to be the most prevalent forms, based on symptoms and simple measurements. After assessment, one to six measures were implemented for each patient in order to counteract internal and external causes of incontinence. The patients were reviewed after 6-8 weeks. 60 patients claimed there was an improvement, including 20 who described themselves as "much improved", and seven who had become continent. It is suggested that a hospital stay may provide a suitable opportunity to undertake primary assessment and treatment of incontinence in elderly women.