The prevalence of incontinence is significant in care settings. However, care is often focussed on containing the problem rather than establishing and treating the underlying cause. In order to assess the appropriateness of product usage, and therefore give an indication of quality of continence care within our organisation, we undertook a review. This article, a previous entry in the JCN Writing Awards, describes the methodology and results and identified areas for practice improvement.

Tendayi Masuko, Bsc. Hons. Health and Social Care, BSc Hons. Specialist Practitioner/ District Nursing, Dip. Higher Education (RGN), PG Cert. Dev. Mgt, Nurse Independent/Supplementary Prescriber. Continence Nurse Specialist, Project lead, Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust