Quality of life in post-radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) patients : clinical relevance of urinary incontinence and efficacy of conservative management in response to the need of urinary elimination
Altro
Data di Pubblicazione:
2009
Citazione:
Quality of life in post-radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) patients : clinical relevance of urinary incontinence and efficacy of conservative management in response to the need of urinary elimination / S. Terzoni, A.L.L. Destrebecq. ((Intervento presentato al 10. convegno European Doctoral Conference in Nursing Science tenutosi a Graz nel 2009.
Abstract:
Introduction.
Urinary incontinence is difficult to tolerate after RRP; conservative management can be performed by nurses, but its efficacy is not clear.
Aim of the study.
Evaluating the effect of pelvic floor exercises, managed by nurses, on post-RRP urinary incontinence and quality of life.
Methods.
Our descriptive study is in progress in a major hospital. Estimated final sample size of 250 patients (2003 - june 2010) stratified by risk factors for incontinence. Data collection through clinical records and interviews is in progress to define prevalence ( end: august 2009).
Inclusion criteria: prostate-limited cancer, in-dwelling catheter for max. 8 days, regular flow exam after removal. Before the treatment, a nurse assesses incontinence (PC test, 24-h pad-tests). Patients are then taught pelvic floor exercises; the same evaluation is repeated weekly. A validated questionnaire (EORTC PR-25) investigates their quality of life, before and after the treatment, which ends when patients show losses <10 grams/day during effort. Data will be analyzed through Principal Component Analysis and t-test/ANOVA.
Results.
Preliminary results: reduction of daily losses in every patient. Preliminary, informal interviews based upon the PR-25 questionnaire show improved quality of life scores for all of them.
Conclusion / discussion
Nurses have a role in the conservative management of incontinence, although its efficiency and cost-effectiveness are still under investigation.
Practical relevance.
Incontinence seems a common problem, with deep effects on QOL; nurses can help in this field.
Research implications.
We will give a contribution in defining the prevalence of incontinence, which in literature seems unclear.
Tipologia IRIS:
14 - Intervento a convegno non pubblicato
Elenco autori:
S. Terzoni, A.L.L. Destrebecq
Link alla scheda completa: