Purpose: The aim of this study was to pilot a process of engaging geriatric rehabilitation patients in the assessment and management of their continence concerns.
Design: A descriptive study was conducted.
Methods: The study has four phases: (1) staff education on continence with a pre-post knowledge quiz, (2) design of patient engagement process by a working group, (3) a 6-week pilot of a patient symptom questionnaire and process of engaging patients with audits of disciplinary admission histories and documentation, and (4) patient and staff feedback surveys.
Results: Patients in geriatric rehabilitation identify a range of bladder and bowel symptoms. However, there was little documented evidence from the interprofessional team that corresponded to patients' reported symptoms.
Conclusion: Further research into symptoms bothersome to patients and engagement of both patients and the interprofessional team in addressing these in the rehabilitation setting is needed.
Clinical relevance to rehabilitation nursing: Patients admitted to geriatric rehabilitation have a range of bladder and bowel symptoms which need to be addressed.
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