Systematic review of the management of incontinence and promotion of continence in older people in care homes: descriptive studies with urinary incontinence as primary focus
2011

Managing Incontinence in Older People in Care Homes

Sample size: 23 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Brenda Roe, Lisa Flanagan, Barbara Jack, James Barrett, Alan Chung, Christine Shaw, Kate Williams

Primary Institution: Edge Hill University

Hypothesis

What are the effective management strategies for incontinence in older people living in care homes?

Conclusion

There is a need for more studies focused on maintaining continence and evaluating successful toileting programs in care homes.

Supporting Evidence

  • Studies found that incontinence affects 31% to 70% of older people in care homes.
  • Most care homes use incontinence pads and toileting programs as management strategies.
  • Documentation of incontinence management in care homes has improved over the years.

Takeaway

This study looks at how to help older people in care homes who have trouble controlling their bladder. It found that many people need better ways to manage this problem.

Methodology

A systematic review of descriptive studies on incontinence management in care homes was conducted using MEDLINE and CINAHL databases.

Potential Biases

The studies were restricted to English publications, which may introduce bias.

Limitations

The studies reviewed were mostly observational and may have limited reliability and validity.

Participant Demographics

The majority of participants were older adults, predominantly women, with a mean age above 80 years.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05481.x

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