[Rehabilitation care for female urinary incontinence]

The prevalence rate for urinary incontinence (UI) in women is higher than that in men. Urinary incontinence is a condition that presents considerable psychosocial implications, physical discomfort, and economic burdens; all of which diminish patient quality of life. In this presentation, types of UI, conservative treatments for UI and their effectiveness, and the application of conservative treatments for UI in nursing practice are discussed. Based on their recognized advantages and potential cost savings to Taiwan's health system, conservative treatments should be widely implemented in Taiwan. Conservative treatments of UI cover three main categories, including lifestyle interventions, physical therapies, and scheduled voiding regimens. The positive effects of physical therapy on UI have been reported worldwide. Further clinical evidenced-based studies are needed to explore the effects of lifestyle interventions and scheduled voiding regimens on UI. The value of delivering conservative treatments for UI in Taiwan has already been well established. Patients showed symptom improvement after nurse clinic consultations in Hong Kong, with the second best rate identified at continence clinics. In the United Kingdom, the positive effects of nurse-led continence service have been demonstrated at the community level. In light of increasing numbers of nurses with experience and training in continence care, the implementation of continence nurse clinics and nurse-led continence services in Taiwan is now possible.