Background

A number of studies have researched the extent of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses and other caregivers. The following list features some of these studies, along with their conclusions and recommendations.

Thelma T. Wells, 1980

• In one of the earliest studies on nursing care of elderly people, Wells (1980), distributed open ended questionnaires to "trained" British nurses.
• Fourteen nurses returned the questionnaires.
• Responses were confused and inaccurate.
• Conclusion: Lack of knowledge about UI.

Francine Margaret Cheater, 1992

• Studied nurses' knowledge and attitudes.
• Used a variety of open and closed-ended questions.
• Participants were British hospital nurses and nursing students.
• 543 questionnaires were distributed; 382 questionnaires were returned.
• Assessment of UI received the lowest scores.
• Conclusion: Nurses have knowledge deficits.
• Recommendation: More education needed for nursing students and instructors.

Margaret Freindl & Janet Dugan, 1992

• Studied knowledge and attitudes of Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and nurse's aides in 16 long-term care agencies.
• Used a 20 item questionnaire.
• 346 participants (28% of staff).
• Half of the agencies used foley catheters to manage UI.
• While almost 80% believed in timed voiding,
  • 8% were unaware of the treatments for stress incontinence.
  • Less than half (45%) did not know prevalence of UI.
  • Almost 50% of the respondents did not know about cure rates.
  • 93% of respondents reported attending educational programs.
• Conclusion: Weak base of nursing education and continuing education.
• Recommendation:
  • Better clinical training.
  • Positive role models.
  • Incontinence programs.
  • Policies and procedures.

Palmer, Bone Fahey, Mamon, & Steinwachs, 1992

• A government study was done to determine Registered Nurses' detection of UI of hospitalized patients.
• 919 patients over 60 years of age randomly chosen.
• Patients interviewed in person or on the phone.
• The nurses involved in the care of the same group of patients were given a questionnaire within 24 hours of the patient's discharge.
• Nurses could only identify 23% of the incontinent patients!

Davidson, 1995

• A 24 item non-standardized questionnaire was mailed to a convenience sample of 200 Registered Nurses who were involved in case management.
• The questionnaire was adapted with permission from the author (Henderson, 1995).
• 89 questionnaires were returned.
• 63 respondents met the inclusion criteria.
• 38% of participants had heard of the AHCPR guidelines for UI.
• The respondents scored from 50% to 92%.
• The average score was 75%.
• Only 7 of the 24 questionnaire items met the researcher's criteria that 90% or more correct responses indicate knowledge.

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