Women's experiences of assessment for urinary incontinence: a qualitative study
Lotte Miriam Eri Mjelde, Anne Torine Litherland, Elisabeth Grov Beisland- General Nursing
Background:
One in four women experience urinary incontinence. A woman's medical history, a physical examination and certain tests can guide specialists in diagnosing and offering treatment. Despite the high prevalence, little is known about women's experience of urinary incontinence assessment.
Aim:
To explore the experience of a group of women undergoing an assessment for urinary incontinence.
Methods:
Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 women who had been assessed for urinary incontinence. A thematic reflective analysis method was used.
Findings:
The women experienced a lot of shame and worry related to their urinary incontinence and the assessment. Having a safe relationship with the urotherapist was very important, and being given information about treatment options gave hope for a better life.
Conclusion:
Urinary incontinence and its assessment are associated with shame and anxiety. A good patient–urotherapist relationship is paramount and learning that treatments are available made women feel more optimistic about the future.