Abstract
This study aimed to improve urinary incontinence (UI) among residents of a Teaching Nursing Home (TNH) in Trondheim, Norway, by implementing a unit-based educational program on UI in the elderly.
Of the 33 patients on the study unit, 18 (16 women and 2 men) experienced UI. This quasi-experimental study began with baseline data collection before the unit-based educational program. The measures obtained from the residents included the following over one 24 hour period before the educational program and three months after completion of the program: pad change frequency, pad weighing, oral fluid intake, and size of pad used. As well, bladder-scanning volumes were obtained twice a day for two days at these same time periods. All direct care staff received 45 minutes education every other week. Findings include that average incontinent pad weights to be less, maximum incontinent pad weights to be less, and an increase in drinking times per night. Average post-voiding residual urine remained the same, but the average minimum amount per resident fell significantly. In conclusion, initiation of a unit-based educational program on UI may yield measurable benefits for complexly ill, frail elderly residents.