Expert Standard for Urinary Incontinence
Promoting Continence Instead of Treating Incontinence

The “Expert standard for the promotion of urinary continence in nursing” was published in 2007 by the German Network for Quality Development in Nursing (DNQP). The DNQP is a nationwide alliance of experts in nursing who are concerned with the topic of quality development. The overarching objective of the DNQP is to promote quality nursing on the basis of practical and expert standards in all areas of nursing. For this purpose, uniform quality criteria are defined throughout the country.

Following the first update of the “Expert standard for the promotion of urinary continence in nursing” in 2014, even greater emphasis has been placed on prevention and quality of life of those affected. The basic priority of promoting urinary continence before compensating for incontinence has been further strengthened. Moreover, age is no longer a risk factor for incontinence.

Continence promotion as described in the expert standard often falls short, especially in the nursing sector. Due to time constraints, it is often the case that only the consequences of incontinence are brought under control. The promotion of continence, on the other hand, falls by the wayside.

However, continence can be effectively promoted and supported by optimising the use of the aid, for example by using intermittent self-catheterisation catheters (ISC) and thoroughly briefing patients on how to use them. The easy-to-use disposable catheters and pouch systems allow the affected individual to control their own bladder and effectively prevent bladder and urinary tract infections due to their special guide tip. At the same time, they require fewer medical and nursing interventions. Those affected thus regain a high degree of quality of life.

When there is sufficient urinary bladder capacity, cognitive and manual capabilities, and easy retrieval of the urethral inlet, ISC can increase continence thanks to the intervals between catheterisation. This also helps to prevent problems of residual urine.

Sharing of Knowledge and Consulting Skills

Well-trained and highly qualified medical product advisers and certified nurses also provide up-to-date information and advice to nursing staff and family caregivers for the prevention, reduction and compensation of urinary incontinence. Through early support for those affected and mutual agreement of specific measures, urinary incontinence and resulting impairments can be effectively counteracted.

The combination of high-quality, biocompatible materials, qualified advice and training of specialist groups, and timely provision of the required medical products ensures that the best possible care is provided in accordance with the expert standard.