Continence management in acute stroke: a survey of current practices in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to determine current national urinary incontinence management practices in Australian acute stroke units and their concordance with the National Stroke Foundation guidelines.


BACKGROUND
Urinary incontinence is a common consequence after stroke and a statistically significant indicator of poor outcome, including disability and admission to institutional care. The National Stroke Foundation has produced guidelines for the acute and post-acute phase of care, offering Australian nurses evidence-based recommendations regarding stroke management including the management of urinary incontinence.


METHODS
In 2007-2008, dedicated acute stroke units in Australia were identified and a senior nurse from each unit was invited to participate in a 10-minute telephone survey to ascertain their current urinary continence management practices.


RESULTS
Representatives from 41 acute stroke units participated in the survey (response rate 98%). Participants from less than half of the units reported that they had a formal plan for urinary incontinence management (n=19, 46%), and the majority of those who did not would find a formal plan useful (n=15, 79%). Two-thirds of respondents stated that they would manage urinary incontinence with indwelling catheterization (n=25, 61%). Only 30% (n=12) were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with urinary continence management in their acute stroke unit.


CONCLUSIONS
A large proportion of acute stroke units were yet to establish formal urinary incontinence management plans. The implementation of evidence-based urinary incontinence management plans after stroke is integral to improving patient outcomes. An increase in resources for professional development in the assessment, treatment and management of urinary incontinence is essential to improve and maintain skills in after-stroke care.
New England Health, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Louise-Anne
LA
Jordan
Elizabeth
E
Mackey
Kelly
K
Coughlan
Mary
M
Wyer
Nissa
N
Allnutt
Sandy
S
Middleton
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation*