Age and Ageing Advance Access published online on August 7, 2008
Age and Ageing, doi:10.1093/ageing/afn134
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Urinary incontinence in stroke: results from the UK National Sentinel Audits of Stroke 1998–2004
1 Consultant Physician, Department of Clinical Gerontology, Kings College Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9PJ, UK
2 Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit, Royal College of Physicians, London NW1 4LE, UK
3 Stroke Programme Manager, Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit, Royal College of Physicians, London NW1 4LE, UK
4 Programme Director for Stroke, Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit, Royal College of Physicians, London NW1 4LE, UK
5 Associate Director, Continence, Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit, Royal College of Physicians, London NW1 4LE, UK
Address correspondence to: Dan. Wilson. Tel: 020 3299 6088; Fax: 020 3299 6476. Email: Dan.wilson{at}kch.nhs.uk
Background: urinary incontinence (UI) after stroke is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The UK National Sentinel Audits of Stroke have collected data on UI which has not previously been reported.
Methods: data on standards relating to both organisations and process of care were extracted from the audits to look for trends in service provision, continence care planning and discharge destination of incontinent versus continent stroke survivors. In addition, 2004 data was analysed statistically to look for a link between stroke units meeting certain standards and the likelihood of patients having continence plans.
Results: UI rates have changed little over the four audit cycles. The influence of UI on discharge destination has also altered little. Stroke unit care is more strongly associated with management planning for UI in stroke.
Keywords: stroke, urinary incontinence, medical audit, elderly
Received 30 August 2007; accepted in revised form 26 February 2008.