Support/Education Groups for People with Urinary Incontinence
Titel:
Support/Education Groups for People with Urinary Incontinence
Auteur:
Schofield, Ann Wheaton, Coral
Verschenen in:
Australian social work
Paginering:
Jaargang 45 (1992) nr. 4 pagina's 31-40
Jaar:
1992-12
Inhoud:
Urinary incontinence is a major health problem, largely unrecognised, which is estimated to affect at least 800,000 Australians - one in four women and one in ten men. For many it limits social interactions, tending to cause isolation and depression. As well as causing acute personal embarrassment, this medical and social problem has enormous financial implications for individuals and the health system. This paper describes the planning, establishment and evaluation of a six-week Continence Support/Education Group for six women with urinary incontinence aged between thirty-two and seventy-six years. The program was set up as a Pilot Study by a Continence Nurse Advisor and a Social Worker. It was demonstrated that support and education on a small group basis can assist in changing attitudes and in reinforcing compliance with prescribed individual programs. These programs, crucial to the management (and indeed prevention) of this complex problem, can include dietary changes, pelvic floor exercise routines, toiletting programs, taking medication as prescribed and regular meditation. Increased confidence to participate in social interactions is a direct outcome of successful management. The basic tenet was the importance of encouraging group members to participate in the group process. The group experience followed a thorough assessment of the nature of each person's urinary incontinence problem, and reinforced information already given by medical and nursing professionals.
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