Improving information for men with postoperative urinary incontinence

Despite urinary incontinence being a recognised complication of prostate surgery, the physical and psychological needs of men with postoperative urinary incontinence are not well met and there is little written information specifically designed for this group of patients (Moore and Estey, 1999; Harris, 1997). Men rarely seek help for urinary incontinence and I used to feel frustrated at finding that some put up with a continence problem in secret for many years. I decided to explore the reasons for their failing to ask for help and what sort of information they would require if they were going to have prostate surgery. The information I elicited helped me to formulate a strategy to tackle this difficult issue.