Urinary incontinence in elderly people: Care practices and care proposal in primary health care

Abstract

Objective: identify the knowledge and care practices concerning urinary incontinence in elderly women and develop a care proposal for these women for the purpose of health promotion in Primary Health Care. Method: a qualitative, convergent care research was undertaken. The data were collected between August and October 2014 through semistructured interviews and thematic workshops with 14 physiotherapists and ten nurses. The analysis involved apprehension, synthesis, theorization and transference processes, revealing two thematic axes: the professionals’ perception of urinary incontinence in elderly women; and the conception of a care proposal for elderly women with urinary incontinence. Results: the professionals’ limited knowledge of urinary incontinence was verified, as well as the lack of information on the possible orientations for self-care concerning the urinary symptoms. Conclusion: training actions should be implemented for these professionals with a view to health promotion for self-care.