Assessment tool promotes continence after childbirth.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Collaboration
• Women's Health Promotion
• Continence Care

Background:

• Childbirth can lead to factors predisposing women to incontinence.
• Integrated healthcare approaches are crucial for postnatal well-being.
• Existing services in Sandwell require coordinated efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a collaborative model for promoting women's continence health.
• To introduce a risk-assessment tool for postnatal incontinence.
• To improve women's health outcomes in the West Midlands.

Main Methods:

• Interprofessional collaboration between midwives, health visitors, and continence advisers.
• Development and implementation of a risk-assessment tool.
• Focus on Sandwell, West Midlands, for service delivery.

Main Results:

• A structured process for assessing and managing postnatal incontinence risk.
• Enhanced communication and coordinated care pathways established.
• Potential for improved continence health outcomes for women.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative working is effective in promoting women's continence health.
• The risk-assessment tool provides a systematic approach to postnatal care.
• This model can be adapted to other regions for improved women's health services.