A phase II exploratory cluster randomized controlled trial of a group mobility training and staff education intervention to promote urinary continence in UK care homes.
OBJECTIVE
To assess feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of group exercise and staff education intervention to promote continence in older people residing in care homes. To establish measures and information to inform a larger trial.


METHODS
Phase II pilot exploratory cluster randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Six purposely selected care homes in the West Midlands, UK.


METHODS
Thirty-four care home residents (mean age 86, 29 female), 23 with cognitive impairments.


METHODS
Physiotherapy-led group exercise and staff continence and mobility facilitation training.


METHODS
Reported continence status, Rivermead Mobility Index. Feasibility was assessed by uptake and compliance, and acceptability by verbal feedback. A staff knowledge questionnaire was used.


RESULTS
Thirty-three residents, cluster sizes from 3 to 7. The number of residents agreeing with the statement 'Do you ever leak any urine when you don't mean to?' in the intervention group decreased from 12/17 at baseline to 7/17 at six weeks in the intervention group and increased from 9/16 at baseline to 9/15 at six weeks. The Rivermead Mobility Index scores were better in the intervention group (n=17; baseline: 6.1, six weeks: 6.2) compared with controls (n=16; baseline: 5.9, six weeks: 4.75). The intervention was feasible, well received and had good compliance.


CONCLUSIONS
Group mobility training and staff education to promote continence is feasible and acceptable for use with care home residents, including those with cognitive impairment.
Sackley
Catherine M
CM
Department of Primary Care and General Practice, School of Health Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK. c.m.sackley@bham.ac.uk
Rodriguez
Natalie A
NA
van den Berg
Maayken
M
Badger
Frances
F
Wright
Christine
C
Besemer
Jelske
J
van Reeuwijk
Katarina T V
KT
van Wely
Leontine
L
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D009728:Nursing Assistants / Q000193:education; D009735:Nursing Homes; D006113:United Kingdom; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D053202:Urinary Incontinence, Urge / Q000534:rehabilitation*