The Cameron InstituteUrinary incontinence (UI) and fecal incontinence (FI) are embarrassing and debilitating conditions that are becoming collectively a major, growing health concern for men and women of all ages worldwide. Recent research showed that professional caregivers in long-term facilities (nursing homes) were not confident in their skills to care for FI residents. This long-term care residential-based study conducted in Ontario Canada was purposed to identify gaps in the knowledge of professional caregivers. Based upon the results of this study there appeared to be room for improvement in the management of both UI and FI in long-term care residences in Ontario. It is recommended that a first tranche of participatory education include topics such as: the causes of FI; the value of using assessments, histories and diaries in moving from treatment to management; dealing with residents that are incontinent as well as depressed.
