Introduction & module overview

Urinary incontinence affects between 3 and 6 million people in the UK and the number of those affected is increasing with our ageing population. This may be under-reported as many people are embarrassed by the condition. It is less common in men. The effects of urinary incontinence are often underestimated and can impinge on daily living, as this quote shows:

“My bladder and bowel own my life 24/7. They are a dictator and a tyrant lying in wait to cause trouble and embarrassment and social isolation. I can go nowhere and do nothing without continence preparation and planning a day ahead of an event and the locations of toilets en route.” (Patient, Age UK report, 2018.)

By the time a patient arrives at the pharmacy with a prescription to treat incontinence, they should already have had a lifestyle review, at least six weeks of bladder training (for urge incontinence/overactive bladder), 12 weeks of pelvic floor exercises (stress incontinence) or both (mixed incontinence). The prescriber should also have reviewed concurrent use of medicines that affect total anticholinergic load (such as antidepressants, antipsychotics and antihistamines), along with the risk of adverse effects, including cognitive impairment.

The structure of this CPD module is as follows:

1. Pre-consultation: Covers potential concerns a patient may have and a reminder of key treatments
2. Starting the consultation: Includes exploration of the patient’s existing knowledge
3. Questions to ask during the consultation: Incorporates tips you can provide to the patient
4. Ending the consultation: Features useful prompts to check the patient’s understanding.