English 
简体中文 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.
- Awareness of how to perform pelvic floor exercises.
- An increased knowledge of healthy bladder and bowel habits.
Facilitator:
This session may be facilitated by a continence nurse, physiotherapist or respiratory nurse.
| Topic | Content | Resources |
|---|---|---|
Introduction.
|
Types of incontinence: Stress, urge, overflow, functional, reflex. Symptoms of underlying problem. |
Model / diagram of pelvic floor. “Continence Health” from Continence Foundation of Australia Bronchiectasis Toolbox “Urinary incontinence in bronchiectasis” |
| Risk factors and causes. Link with respiratory disease. |
Weak pelvic floor muscles eg Child birth.
|
Resources from the Continence Foundation of Australia. Better Living with COPD (Ch 17). |
| Management and treatment techniques. | Pelvic floor exercises and integrating these into activities such as coughing (including airway clearance) or sneezing; movements that may trigger symptoms (such as lifting weights, rising from sitting to standing) Healthy bladder and bowel habits:
Continence products and supports |
Brochures from the Continence Foundation of Australia. Continence Australia Bronchiectasis Toolbox “Urinary incontinence in bronchiectasis” The Knack for an instruction video of The Knack (pelvic floor contraction) for women. Continence Foundation of Australia “Life with incontinence: management |
| Services and support groups. | Referral to doctor/specialist physiotherapy for continence management. National Continence Helpline. Local Continence Nurse Advisors. Community Health Centre. |
Contact details of local services providers. Contact the Continence Foundation of Australia |
| Summary and questions. |
For those with bronchiectasis, the prevalence of incontinence is approximately 55%. Consider referring to a physiotherapist with expertise in this field.
