Patients' views of a new nurse-led continence service

This study used qualitative methods to assess patients' views of a new nurse-led continence service that was being evaluated in a randomized trial as part of the Leicestershire Medical Research Council (MRC) Incontinence Study. The service was provided by a team of five nurses who had received a 3-month training programme on the assessment procedures and the evidence-based practice protocols. In-depth qualitative interviews were carried out by four trained interviewers with 23 respondents, seven male & 16 female (mean age 58 years), and were analysed using NUD*IST software. The main themes to emerge were related to the interpersonal skills and technical skills of the nurse and how these impacted on the effectiveness of treatment. An informal, friendly approach by nurses with good communication skills relieved patients' embarrassment and anxiety, giving them confidence and trust in the nurses, thus facilitating information exchange and effectiveness of care. Good communication skills conveyed the nurses' specialist technical skills and knowledge, encouraging patient compliance with treatments.