Journal of epidemiology and community health
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J Epidemiol Community Health · Jun 1992
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA cost-effectiveness study of the management of intractable urinary incontinence by urinary catheterisation or incontinence pads.
The aim was to compare the costs and effects of management of intractable urinary incontinence by urinary catheterisation or incontinence pads. ⋯ Use of catheters reduces nursing time but may increase weekly equipment costs depending on the cost of laundry. Despite the high dropout rate among patients randomised to catheters a minority of patients (12/35) expressed a clear preference for catheters and we believe that more patients with intractable incontinence should be given a trial of catheterisation to assess acceptability. Bacteriuria was prevalent in pads or catheter patients but no major episodes of invasive infection were noted in either group.