Pilot of Patient Engagement in Continence Care on Geriatric Rehabilitation Units

Abstract 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.