The role of primary care of voiding dysfunction in rehabilitation and convalescent hospitals

ABSTRACT

As the average life expectancy is longer and the prevalence of chronic disease increases in the elderly, the number of people who needs the care and treatment in the sanatorium is also growing. Voiding dysfunction is common disease in elderly people admitted in the sanatorium and it causes various problems such as fall and fracture. Urinary incontinence is the most frequent condition that decreases physical and mental ability and therefore, it is an important risk factor to reduce the quality of life in the elderly. Thus, investigation of the prevalence and actual practise about the care of urinary incontinence is necessary to reduce not only urinary incontinence but also combined problems in the sanatorium. About 48.1 - 65.3% of the elderly experienced urinary incontinence and the most common management for urinary incontinence was pad usage. However, pad usage without considering the each patient's condition induces poor hygiene, skin problem, and pressure ulcer. Therefore, care according to the each patient's type of urinary incontinence and condition is needed.