[Introduction of a urinary incontinence programme at a health centre].
Introduction of a urinary incontinence programme at a health centre Introduction. Urinary incontinence (UI) is an extremely widespread health problem, which makes it impossible to restrict its diagnosis and treatment to specialist clinics.


OBJECTIVE
To analyse the results of a year's UI programme at Cabra Health Centre. PROGRAMME: In straightforward cases, detection, basic assessment and treatment, and follow-up take place in primary care (PC). Complex cases are referred to specialists, who complete the examination and decide on a surgical indication. On discharge they are monitored in PC.


RESULTS
The programme covered 4% (41 people) of incontinent patients. Mean time of evolution till consultation was 7.4 years. Mixed UI was the most common diagnosis (51%). Severity was moderate/severe in 39 cases. UI prevented 10 people from undertaking physical activities and affected 11 people's relationships with their partner. 25 people showed negative feelings, and 24 wanted an operation. Twelve people had no involuntary passage of urine at the end of rehabilitation; and 7 had none after longer follow-up. The rest had positive changes in severity, their state of mind, use of protective items and wish for an operation. The results were acceptable or successful for the people treated. The programme took up an hour a week of doctor's time, and three hours of nursing time.


CONCLUSIONS
The programme described is an agile, simple and efficient way of tackling UI and securing ongoing attendance.
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*