Keywords

fecal incontinence, incontinence, self-care, self-management, urinary incontinence

 

Authors

  1. Wilde, Mary H. PhD, RN
  2. Bliss, Donna Z. PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA
  3. Booth, Joanne PhD, RN
  4. Cheater, Francine M. PhD, RN
  5. Tannenbaum, Cara MD, MSc

Abstract

Overview: Widely used by patients to control symptoms of chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and arthritis, self-management can also help patients with urinary or fecal incontinence. The authors discuss the principles of self-management, the behaviors and skills self-managing patients need to acquire, and the nurse's role in reinforcing their use. They then describe strategies that can be incorporated within the framework of self-management to control urinary, fecal, or dual incontinence.