Knowledge Hub

  As a healthcare professional, you may be used to having difficult conversations with patients or explaining complicated results to the parent of a young child. However, some topics can be more challenging to talk about than others. Incontinence is something many patients can feel embarrassed about and they may not know how to explain their symptoms to you because of this. This can result in patients not getting the support and advice they need to improve their quality of life. However, there are ways you can navigate conversations about incontinence and transform them into positive, constructive experiences for your patients. In this post, we will provide you with some effective tips for discussing incontinence with your patients to ensure they receive the support they need without feeling embarrassed or ashamed.The importance of effective communication When it comes to sensitive subjects like incontinence, effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients is key. While patients may seek advice for their condition, actually talking about it with you can be daunting – especially if it’s for the first time. As such, make sure you let your patient know that incontinence is a common problem and that there are numerous incontinence products and treatments available to provide relief. By effectively communicating your knowledge of the condition and providing your patient with personalised advice, you can make sure they leave the conversation feeling empowered.Challenges healthcare professionals can face There may be times when you face challenges when trying to discuss incontinence with patients. For example, some of these challenges may include: ●  The patient may not want to talk about it as it may be a ‘taboo’ subject for them ●  They might not want to admit they are experiencing incontinence ●  Feeling overwhelmed by what you’re saying ●  English might not be their first language or they communicate through sign language ●  They may have limited vocabulary or might be unable to read ●  Patients can have speech difficulties which can make it difficult to communicate ●  Feeling uncomfortable talking about it with others outside their support system Knowing when to raise the subject of incontinence is important. It’s best to bring it up when your patient is calm and can focus on your words. Try to be aware of any cues that might suggest your patient wants to discuss something with you too. As a healthcare professional, it’s crucial you understand when a patient needs to be referred to a specialist. While you can provide support and advice, sometimes their incontinence needs are best met by an incontinence specialist. Overcoming these challenges is possible and doing so can make a big difference in your patient’s overall quality of life.Top tips for discussing incontinence with patience While there are some challenges to overcome, navigating conversations about incontinence can have a huge knock-on effect on how well a patient manages their condition. You should use an empathic, matter-of-fact tone of voice. If you feel uncomfortable, don't let this show as it can make your patient uncomfortable too.  Identify and assess how they communicate and look out for non-verbal cues. Simple techniques such as using low-tech aids, signs, picture symbols and communication books can be useful if they are struggling. Here are some of our top tips to help you have these difficult conversations while instilling confidence in both yourself and your patient.Establish trust and comfort One of the most important things you can do is to establish a sense of trust and comfort with your patient. By helping them feel at ease, they may become more open to having difficult conversations or sharing any symptoms they’re particularly embarrassed about. Some patients also benefit from having the reassurance that what they say is confidential and will not be shared without consent. This helps develop trust and can make them more willing to share personal information with you.Use empathetic language Using the right language can make conversations around incontinence easier for you and your patient. Reassure them by letting them know how common incontinence is and that it’s not impossible to manage effectively. Each patient is different; some may be happy to talk about their bathroom habits, while others might not be. Therefore, it can be a useful exercise to put yourself in the shoes of a patient struggling with incontinence and think about what you would like your healthcare professional to say to you. This may help you generate some open questions and supportive phrases to help them feel more comfortable. Incontinence is a difficult condition to manage on its own and it can cause lots of negative feelings for the patient. So try to be understanding if they are closed off or shut down when you talk to them about it. By demonstrating empathy in how you talk to them, your patient may come around and feel more comfortable about opening up.Educating patients Many patients will have a strict idea of what incontinence looks like, believing many of the stereotypes and stigmas associated with it. However, by explaining the causes, symptoms and common misconceptions, you can provide your patients with the education they need to fully understand the condition. Resources can be a huge help for patients as well, especially if they feel overwhelmed or confused. Some patients need time to adjust on their own or with their loved ones, so providing them with supportive resources can make all the difference.   Have an open dialogue It’s important that during these conversations with your patients, you make them feel at ease and as though they are free to talk about their experiences. Asking them open questions rather than ones with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers can feel less direct. For example, asking ‘Are you experiencing any problems with going to the toilet?’ creates an opportunity for the patient to explain their symptoms without feeling as though they are being diagnosed with something straight away or put on the spot. It can take some patients a lot of courage to talk openly about their symptoms, so try to keep the dialogue open and let the conversation flow naturally without any direct questions (except when necessary).Collaborate on decision-making One final tip when discussing incontinence with patients is to involve them in the decision-making about their condition. After all, there are so many different treatments and products out there, and each patient will have unique needs and preferences. So if you simply tell a patient what they must and must not do, they can feel restricted or as though they have no say in the decision. Ask them what their preferences would be and keep them involved every step of the way. And if they have a carer with them, keep them as actively involved as possible. By making collaborative decisions with your patient about their management plan, you can help empower them to take control of their incontinence. Remember, care should be person-centred and not just focused on tasks and processes. An important element of care is to be aware of and sensitive to the features of a person’s life, including their values, feelings and beliefs and promote dignity.  Incontinence products with Attends Although incontinence is a complicated condition, conversations about it with patients don’t have to be. By providing them with knowledge and resources, promoting open, empathetic dialogue and establishing trust, you too can easily navigate conversations with patients about incontinence. When it comes to providing patients with information on incontinence products, you can also rely on Attends to be the brand that meets their needs. We offer a huge range of products that can help your patients manage their incontinence on a daily basis. Discover more about the Attends incontinence products range.Sources ●  Bladder & Bowel UK - Starting Conversations with Patients About Bladder & Bowel Health ●  The BMJ - Incontinence is Lonely & Hard to Talk About

Urinary incontinence is a common issue faced by men and women alike, often requiring visits to the doctor for extra support. Many patients with incontinence avoid drinking fluids, as they feel like it causes additional problems. As a healthcare professional, it is important to advise on the type and amount of fluid which can help to reduce symptoms and maintain bladder function. Many drinks contain caffeine, or have artificial sweeteners, which can irritate the bladder. While they may be delicious, caffeinated drinks can be a contributing factor towards incontinence during the festive season. As Christmas draws closer and the party season begins, it’s important to remind your patients that beer, wine, spirits and other alcoholic beverages can act as a bladder stimulant, and ultimately lead to incontinence. Moderation in alcohol consumption plays a crucial role in maintaining bladder health. Throughout this blog, we thought we’d unwrap the connection between caffeine and incontinence while exploring some of the best ways to encourage your patients to switch to decaf. The link between caffeine and incontinence While you may already understand the effects of caffeine, not all of your patients will. However, there is a well-established direct link between increased incontinence and caffeine – a staple in many people's morning routines. Due to its strong diuretic properties, those with incontinence issues can struggle to improve their bladder health while consuming associated products such as tea and coffee. Caffeine stimulates your kidneys and causes them to produce more urine by reducing your water absorption. This leads to an increase in both urine urgency and frequency and, if patients are experiencing incontinence already, discomfort. Caffeine also causes spasms and contractions of the bladder, something which can increase the risk of incontinence. Studies have shown, for example, that a caffeine intake of more than or equal to 240 mg per day can elevate the chances of urinary incontinence. For context, one double espresso contains around 125 mg of caffeine, so consuming just two coffees a day is more than enough to impact bladder health.Using decaf as a preventative incontinence measure Decaffeinated options can act as a shield against the diuretic effects of caffeine, alleviating incontinence issues. As healthcare advocates, it’s important to encourage patients to put proactive measures in place, empowering them to make more mindful choices. Navigating coffee shop menus full of caffeinated drinks can be easy when patients know how – and why they should be doing so. Let them know of the effects caffeine can have on their bladder and inspire them to ask for a decaf version wherever possible.  The ‘Taste The Difference’ challenge Generally, patients are offered caffeinated tea and coffee during ‘drinks rounds’ – which we know can lead to a greater risk of bladder (and even bowel) incontinence. As such, the Taste The Difference challenge was set up as a project within hospitals to encourage patients to switch to decaf. Feedback was collected from patients during the challenge, asking not only whether they could taste the difference but also if they would consider switching to decaf after finding out the health benefits. The feedback showed over 50% of patients couldn't taste the difference and over 76% of them said they would switch to decaf after learning about the health benefits. This demonstrates that knowledge is the key to unlocking the switch to decaf. Benefits of decaf in patients with incontinence Switching to decaf can provide your patients with relief from urinary incontinence, making it a much more comfortable festive season. Some of the key benefits associated with switching to decaf include: Improved bladder control – without the diuretic effects of caffeine, patients can expect a reduction in urgency and frequency of urination. This gives them greater control over bladder function and can reduce stress during a sometimes stressful time of year.  Enhanced quality of sleep – getting enough sleep is vital, especially during the busy Christmas period. However, drinking caffeine can lead to more frequent urination or loss of bladder control during the night. Switching to decaf can stop disruptions during sleep and improve mental wellbeing.  Better hydration – drinking decaf helps patients maintain their fluid intake as it prevents the kidneys from over-producing urine. Being well hydrated can also prevent bladder irritation which can lead to incontinence.  Decaffeinated beverages have come a long way in recent years and many people aren't able to tell the difference. This means your patients can still enjoy their favourite flavours without compromising their bladder health.Encouraging patients to switch from caffeine to decaf Knowing the effects caffeine has on bladder health is not something everyone will know. Whether you work in the community or a hospital setting, educating patients with incontinence on the steps they can take can make all the difference. Some effective ways to help your patients make the switch to decaf include: ●      Provide advice on which products are available as decaffeinated ●      Empower them with the knowledge of decaf's benefits and how caffeine affects incontinence ●      Have leaflets they can take away with them so they can solidify their knowledge and share it with others ●      Be prepared for pushback from patients who are content with drinking caffeine – let them know the facts so they can make an informed decision ●      Have samples they could take home and try or signpost them to great decaf options in supermarkets ●      Advise patients that the shift can be gradual to reduce the side effects of caffeine withdrawal Side effects of quitting caffeine As well as highlighting the benefits, it's worthwhile letting your patients also know about some of the side effects of giving up caffeine altogether – especially if they drink it every day, multiple times a day. Some side effects of caffeine withdrawal can include: ●      Headaches ●      Fatigue ●      Low mood ●      Irritability ●      Feeling foggy However, these side effects tend to last only a few days as the body starts to withdraw from caffeine reliance. Discover incontinence products with Attends Drinking caffeine may be something most of your patients do every day, but providing them with support and information can help them make healthy choices for their bladder health. Here at Attends, we offer a wide range of incontinence products for both men and women, as well as discreet options for those wanting to feel secure while out Christmas shopping.    Discover the power of Attends incontinence products this festive season and help your patients manage their bladder health with ease. Sources Leicester Hospitals - Taste The Difference Challenge Bladder & Bowel UK - Taste The Difference Challenge NHS - Urinary Incontinence, Best Ways to Stop Leaks

Male incontinence is a common problem that can impact men of any age, potentially leading to feelings of embarrassment, anxiety and depression. With around one in three older men having incontinence problems, it is therefore essential for healthcare professionals to address this issue with confidence. Providing men with support for their urinary incontinence can have a hugely positive impact on their lives and well-being. As a healthcare professional, you can become a beacon of knowledge and advice on the topic, helping men manage their condition and restore their confidence levels once again. Understanding male incontinence Male incontinence, or loss of bladder control, can occur for several reasons, the main ones being due to age and injury. It is important to understand the symptoms of urinary incontinence so you can provide support. The most common symptoms are: ●     Needing to pee often, both day and night ●     Having trouble starting your urine flow ●     A weak urine stream ●     Straining (using stomach muscles) when urinating ●     Feeling like your bladder is never all the way empty, even after you go ●     Discomfort when urinating ●     Pressure in your lower abdomen While male incontinence often occurs as a result of ageing, it can also be caused by other factors. A medical assessment will help when planning treatment. Some of the factors that can cause urinary incontinence in men can include: ●     Urinary tract infections ●     Medication –  for example, diuretic medications can increase the risk of urine leakage ●     An enlarged prostate can obstruct urine from passing ●     Being overweight puts extra pressure on abdominal and pelvic muscles, making it harder to avoid urine leakage ●     Diabetes can cause nerve damage to your urinary tract, causing bladder problems ●     Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis ●     Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's ●     Arthritis can also cause functional incontinence as it can make going to the bathroom much more difficult There are also different types of urinary incontinence that a man can experience. The five main types are: Stress incontinence – where urine leaks out due to pressure being put on the bladder through actions like sneezing, laughing, exercising or heavy lifting Urge incontinence – feeling a sudden urge to urinate and involuntarily losing bladder control Overflow incontinence – regular or constant leaking of urine due to a bladder that doesn’t empty fully when urinating Functional incontinence –  caused by a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from reaching the toilet in time Mixed incontinence – where you experience more than one type of incontinence at the same time, such as stress and urge As the body ages, bladder control weakens and its capacity to store urine decreases. Therefore, ageing is often the main cause of male incontinence. Dealing with incontinence every day can be physically and mentally challenging. Not only does it cause temporary discomfort, but it can also lead to prolonged feelings of anxiety or low mood. Over time, male incontinence can have a devastating effect on a man’s quality of life.  Breaking the stigma – men’s mental health and incontinence Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma around male incontinence. That’s why it’s so important for you as a healthcare professional to understand and address it. Many men feel embarrassed or don’t want to talk about their emotions when dealing with incontinence. However, letting men express how their incontinence is making them feel and affecting their daily lives can be one of the first steps towards breaking the stigma. Normalising male incontinence products is also a brilliant way to break the stigma. Letting them know there is no shame in using them can go a long way. In general, men’s mental health is often overlooked — which is why movements such as Movember have come about. This annual event encourages men to grow moustaches throughout November to raise awareness of men’s health issues such as mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. While proving mental health support should happen year-round, Movember is a good reminder that it’s vital for healthcare professionals to know how to help and where to signpost it.   Movember and men’s mental health As a significant fundraiser and awareness campaign for men’s health, Movember helps bring the problems men face into the public consciousness. It shows them that there’s nothing to be ashamed of when dealing with health problems — whether physical or emotional. Addressing male incontinence ties into the broader scope of men’s overall health. Dealing with incontinence can lead to poor mental health and this can be debilitating. By showing male incontinence is a common issue that can be effectively managed, you can help your patients grow in confidence and lead happier, healthier lives. Seeking professional help Seeking professional help for male incontinence is important as it ensures a proper diagnosis and support with different treatment options. Knowing there is an open line of communication between patients and healthcare professionals can make all the difference. Men need to know they can speak with their healthcare professional about anything — including urinary incontinence. Keeping these lines of communication open and in confidence ensures security and honest conversations.   Insights and management techniques Managing male incontinence in a clinical setting is vital within your role as a healthcare professional. Understanding the underlying cause of their incontinence means men receive the right treatment and product advice. Simple lifestyle changes can help. These can include: ●     Maintaining a healthy weight ●     Reduce caffeine, limit alcohol and carbonated drinks ●     Cut down on smoking – excessive coughing can put additional pressure on the bladder ●     Bladder retraining – to modify your bladder’s behaviour by scheduling bathroom trips at set times throughout the day ●     Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles Educating your patients is also a great way to help them effectively manage their incontinence. Many men may not know why they are experiencing incontinence, so discussing the different causes and the variety of incontinence products available can help them feel empowered. If incontinence products are a part of your management plan, we offer male incontinence products such as protective shields, pads and all-in-one briefs. At Attends, we offer a wide range of male urinary incontinence products to give back the confidence and dignity men deserve.  Some of our male incontinence products include: ●     Attends For Men Protective Shield ●     Attends For Men Protective Pad ●     All-In-One Briefs ●     Fixation Pants ●     Underpads Our products are designed to comfortably fit the contours of the body and provide absorption and protection. Discover our range of male incontinence products. Support and resources Being able to signpost your patients to the right resources can make a huge difference when they are dealing with incontinence. Some useful support and resources for male incontinence include: ●     Age UK ●     Bladder & Bowel UK ●     Bladder Health UK ●     Men’s Health Forum Having a strong network of support is priceless so encouraging men to connect with other men facing the same issues can be a big help when trying to understand male incontinence. Reaching out to places like Bladder & Bowel UK, or chatting with other men on Men’s Health Forum, can help them learn how to manage the condition, as well as talk freely about what they are experiencing. While male incontinence is affecting more men each year, by teaching men to take proactive steps towards seeking help, you can provide them with the support they need. Encouraging them to take part or support other men taking part in Movember can also be a good way to get involved and help end the stigma around incontinence.   Explore our complete range of continence products designed especially for men. Sources ●     Web MD - What Is Urinary Incontinence? ●     Web MD - Treatments for Urinary Incontinence ●     Practice Nursing - Urinary Incontinence, What You Need To Know