Chapter 5 - General measures and non-pharmacological approaches

Summary

This chapter provides an overview of the range of non-pharmacological management strategies available for bladder symptoms and voiding dysfunction that are usually offered by nurses and physiotherapists that specialize in continence. Many patients with neurological bladder dysfunction drink less as their first strategy to reduce their urinary frequency. A continence assessment should precede any proposed management strategy and this is best carried out by a doctor, nurse or physiotherapist who has an understanding of neurological dysfunction and the possible long-term effect on the patient. Patients with voiding dysfunction complain of hesitancy or difficulty in passing urine. The purpose of indwelling catheters is for short- or long-term urinary drainage when alternative methods of urine drainage are unsuitable or no longer appropriate for the patient. Various drainage bags are available for use with an indwelling catheter. Drainage bags are available with a range of fluid volume capacities from 350 to 2000 ml.