• Lynne Parkinson, Pauline Chiarelli, Jennifer Byrne, Richard Gibson, Suzanne McNeill, Gillian Lloyd, Wendy Watts, and Julie Byles.
• Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia. lynne.parkinson@newcastle.edu.au
• Clin Interv Aging. 2007 Jan 1;2(4):705-14.

AbstractEvidence suggests that bladder control problems develop or worsen as a result of fractured neck of femur (#NOF) and its subsequent management. The primary aim of this study was to reduce the prevalence and severity of post surgery continence problems among patients, aged from 60-years, undergoing surgery for #NOF, using a best practice "case-management model" multifactorial intervention. Eligible consenting patients admitted with #NOF were randomized to intervention or control group. Self-report questionnaires compared pre-surgery, post surgery, and follow-up continence status between groups. This pilot randomized controlled trial, which included 45 eligible patients aged 60 to 93-years, found no evidence that the intervention was effective in reducing prevalence of post-surgery incontinence in this acute setting. Staff surveys highlighted the need for open communication between the research team and hospital staff. Unclear results were attributed to the small sample size. A central outcome was evidence that intervention to improve continence management for older people post-surgery is imperative. Focused assessment and treatment for those most at risk of incontinence after #NOF would be more acceptable to staff and a more efficient use of resources. A simple screening tool would ensure that those most at risk are detected, and targeted for care.

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