This JCN clinical skills series looks at dif ferent aspects of continence care in the community, with useful tips on patient care and improving practice.

Continence is not a life-threatening condition, but does affect patient quality of life. The first part in this new continence clinical skills series explores continence issues and how to improve patient care. It looks at the prevalence of the condition, different types of continence issues, how they can affect quality of life and the complications that can occur when poorly managed.