Bladder health is essential for maintaining independence and functional performance; urinary incontinence (UI) is the most common condition that can affect bladder health and quality of life (physical, emotional, and social impact). UI, traditionally considered a geriatric syndrome, is the involuntary loss of urine, affecting up to 55-60M people in Europe. Across all EU countries, the economic burden of UI was €69 billion in 2023, which is equivalent to half the direct medical cost of diabetes, and at least two thirds of the economic burden of cancer. Furthermore, it is projected that the costs will increase with the projected 25% increase in UI prevalence by 2030. Societal costs (considering e.g. work absenteeism, caregiver burden, quality of life) are also high. A report estimates the economic burden of UI will increase to almost €87 billion in 2030 (€100 billion including caregiver costs) if no action is taken.

UI affects especially older adults in long-term care; indeed, more than 60-75% of people living in nursing homes present with some type of urinary loss. Unfortunately, UI is commonly neglected and underreported; many people do not seek treatment due to the embarrassing nature and social stigma and others manage it only with absorbent products and/or drugs that may be associated with adverse events. Therefore, raising awareness, dissemination, innovation and research on this topic is fundamental to enhancing continence care in people under long-term care.

 

Description of the aims of the group:

The overall aim of the group is to promote continence care in long-term care to enhance people’s dignity and well-being. The Continence Care in long-term care Interest Group brings together academics, care home practitioners/managers, stakeholders, etc. The group will organize regular webinars where participants will share their views and discussions, share evidence-based practice, as well as innovative approaches for continence care in older adults. These webinars will be also open to everyone interested in continence care in ageing. This platform aims to exchange knowledge so that modern continence care can reach older adults.

 

Steering Group:

The steering group includes four researchers focused on continence care in older adults and two stakeholders (related to patient advocacy promoting the rights of people with incontinence and pelvic problems).

Javier Jerez Roig (University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Spain)

Adrian Wagg (University of Alberta, Canada)

Hannelore Strauven (KU Leuven, Belgium)

William Gibson (University of Alberta, Canada)

Mary Lynne Van Poelgeest-Pomfret (World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems)

Tomasz Michalek (World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems)