Multidisciplinary Incontinence Care

Incontinence management benefits from a multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Physicians provide diagnostic evaluations such as cystoscopy, urodynamic testing, ultrasound, and kidney function tests, while identifying contributing factors like diet, medications, and pelvic floor stressors. Physical therapists help retrain the bladder using exercises, behavioral strategies, biofeedback, and nutritional guidance, achieving up to 80% success and often avoiding surgery or medications. Occupational therapists address mobility, coordination, and functional challenges to improve toileting independence and reduce risks like falls, depression, and social withdrawal. Nurses, particularly wound, ostomy, and continence specialists, focus on preventing and treating incontinence-associated dermatitis, fungal infections, and moisture damage while promoting adequate hydration to prevent complications like UTIs and low blood pressure. Collaboration among disciplines ensures comprehensive care, addressing both the physical and emotional impacts of incontinence, and helping patients regain confidence, independence, and quality of life.

Wolfson, J. (2018, December 6). A multidisciplinary approach to incontinence management. WoundSource. Retrieved [Month Day, Year], from https://www.woundsource.com/blog/multidisciplinary-approach-incontinence-management