School of Nursing and Midwifery

The Continence Care Module is a 15 credit Level 3 module which aims to develop the knowledge and skills of practitioners in relation to the management of the patient with continence issues, within both primary and secondary care. The module will aim to focus on the development of a positive view of continence promotion in an holistic context. The module philosophy is underpinned by reflective practice, which will enable the student to integrate theory with practice and provide a research based approach to the care of clients with either faecal or urinary incontinence. The module will equip practitioners to complete comprehensive continence and patient assessments and to provide clients with comprehensive health education. This module is available as an optional/stand alone module.

The module aims to develop the student's underpinning knowledge of the principles of continence care and to apply these principles to the development of practice in the workplace. It also aims to encourage practitioners to apply a critical, analytical and evidence based approach to the application of new and existing knowledge in relation to continence care.

Registration with an appropriate registering body.
Evidence of Level 2 academic study or equivalent.

Overview of the incidence, awareness and health promotion related to continence.
Analysis of the types of urinary continence.
Issues surrounding continence promotion.
Assessment and treatment modalities in urinary continence.
The development of an integrated continence service, resource costings and the management of change.
Pharmacology related to continence.
Urodynamics.
The role of physiotherapy in continence management.
Treatment interventions in male and female urinary incontinence.
Race, culture, ethnicity, ethics and sexuality.
Continence management in the patient with cognitive impairment or a learning disability.
Health education in continence care.
Faecal incontinence.
Care of the skin and the management of stomas.
Bowel care - background and assessment.
Digital rectal examination procedure, bowel dysfunction and risk factors.
Medication, assessment and management of bowel care.
Practical DRE assessment in the clinical skills laboratory.
Legal, socio-economic and professional aspects of continence care
Module will utilise blended learning methods including VLE; to include use of WebCT resources and activities.