HSC AS 8 Promote continence management

1. Understand the causes and types of incontinence

• 1.1 Describe the process of urination and bowel elimination
• 1.2 Explain how usual patterns of urinary and bowel action may vary between individuals
• 1.3 Describe types of: • urinary incontinence • faecal incontinence
• 1.4 Describe factors that contribute to: • urinary incontinence • faecal incontinence
• 1.5 Explain how a change of environment may increase incontinence

2. Understand the effects and risks of incontinence

• 2.1 Explain how difficulties with continence can affect an individual’s selfesteem, health and daily living
• 2.2 Describe complications and conditions that may be associated with incontinence
• 2.3 Describe how changes in usual patterns of bowel and urinary incontinence can be an indicator of ill health

3. Understand how to support individuals to manage incontinence

• 3.1 Outline good practice guidelines for managing continence
• 3.2 Explain how an individual’s personal beliefs and values may affect the management of continence
• 3.3 Explain the importance of promoting an individual’s privacy and dignity whilst managing continence
• 3.4 Explain a range of interventions, strategies and continence aids used to manage continence for different needs
• 3.5 Describe the role of professionals involved in continence management
• 3.6 Explain how and when samples of urine and faeces are obtained

4. Be able to support individuals to select strategies and aids to manage continence

• 4.1 Encourage an individual to express preferences and concerns in relation to continence
• 4.2 Support the individual to understand the effects of lifestyle on continence
• 4.3 Provide information about different options available to manage continence
• 4.4 Agree with the individual: • strategies and/or aids • level and type of support
• 4.5 Record agreed strategies and aids to be used in the care and support plan

5. Be able to support the use of aids and strategies to manage continence

• 5.1 Support the individual to use continence equipment
• 5.2 Follow infection prevention and control procedures
• 5.3 Support individuals with care of the skin and surrounding area
• 5.4 Monitor, record and report: • changes in urinary and bowel action • changes in the surrounding skin • levels of support

6. Be able to evaluate strategies and aids for managing continence

• 6.1 Review the strategies, aids and support provided for managing continence with the individual and others
• 6.2 Make changes to the strategies and aids as agreed with the individual and others
• 6.3 Identify when referral to a professional is necessary