Continence
Objectives:
At the end of the session, the participant will have:
- An increased knowledge about factors contributing to continence and incontinence.
- An increased knowledge of the anatomy of the pelvic floor.
- Experienced a contraction of the pelvic floor muscles.
- Knowledge of how to perform pelvic floor exercises.
- An increased knowledge of good bladder and bowel habits.
Facilitator:
This session may be facilitated by a continence nurse, physiotherapist or respiratory nurse.
Topic | Content | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction. – Definition of incontinence (bladder and bowel). – Incidence of incontinence. | Types of incontinence: Stress, urge, overflow, functional, reflex. Symptoms of underlying problem. | Model / diagram of pelvic floor. Brochures for the Continence Foundation of Australia and the Australian Physiotherapy Association. |
| Risk factors and causes. Link with respiratory disease. | Weak pelvic floor muscles:a – Child birth. – Obesity. – Prostate disease. – Constipation. – Chronic cough. – Changes in hormone levels with menopause. – heavy lifting | Brochures for the Continence Foundation of Australia. |
| Management and treatment techniques. | Pelvic floor exercises. Healthy bowel: – Fibre. – Fluids. – Exercise. – Evacuation routine. – Reduced waiting time. – Squatting position. | Brochures from the Continence Foundation of Australia. Continence Australia |
| Product schemes. | Method and criteria of application for Department of Veteran’s Affairs’ aids and equipment program. Medical aids & equipment subsidy scheme for relevant state. | Products |
| Services and support groups. | National Continence Helpline. Local Continence Nurse Advisors. Community Health Centre. | Contact details of local services providers. Contact the Continence Foundation of Australia at http://www.continence.org.au |
| Summary and questions. |