The use of perineal pad testing to assess urinary incontinence

Abstract

Urinary incontinence is a condition in which involuntary loss of urine is objectively demonstrated and results in a social or hygienic problem. A poll conducted for the Association for Continence Advice estimated that up to three million people in the UK suffer from incontinence. The incontinence may be transient, e.g. as a result of a urinary tract infection, or permanent, e.g. as a result of damage to the pelvic floor. Many sufferers may not seek medical advice for their predicament and the figures given above may be a gross underestimation of the problem.

Patients’ views of a new nurse‐led continence service

“…At the beginning of treatment, each patient underwent a nursing assessment consisting of a physical examination and a clinical, social and psychological history. As part of the assessment, all patients were asked to complete a 3‐day urinary diary ( Cheater et al., 1998 ) and a 24‐h home pad test ( Jeyasellan & Roe, 1997). The urinary diary involved recording the frequency and volume of urination, and volume of fluid intake.…”