Open AccessThe Bladder at Night during Hospitalisation: Towards optimal care for elderly patients with nocturia
Author(s) -
Van Besien Wouter,
Shire Samia,
Decalf Veerle,
Ervin Claire E.,
King Sharyn,
Baldrey Christine,
Da Silva Alisha,
Wagg Adrian,
Everaert Karel E.,
Bower Wendy F.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.756
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1742-1241
pISSN - 1368-5031
DOI - 10.1111/ijcp.14876
Subject(s) - nocturia , medicine , toileting , overactive bladder , pediatrics , urinary system , physical therapy , activities of daily living , alternative medicine , pathology
Objective This study aimed to describe the characteristics of nocturia in older hospitalised patients and to explore knowledge, beliefs and experiences associated with night toileting while in hospital in order to identify unmet care needs. Methods A multisite mixed methods cross‐sectional study of older hospitalised adults who were admitted for ≥2 days was conducted using a standardised researcher‐administered questionnaire. An additional cohort 16 older hospitalised adults with nocturia >twice per night were interviewed to understand the experience and impact of nocturia during hospitalisation. Results Nocturia was experienced by 260 out of 308 participants. In‐hospital nocturia was significantly correlated with nocturia in the month preceding admission, high diurnal voiding frequency and nocturnal urinary urgency. Bother was attributed to multiple nocturia episodes. Participants had poor knowledge and understanding of nocturia and believed the symptom to be a normal occurrence; only 20% had discussed management with staff. Disrupted sleep and fear of falling were common in older immobile participants with nocturia. Conclusion Nocturia is highly prevalent in hospitalised older people. Toileting multiple times at night bothers patients, disrupts sleep, heightens a fear of falling yet is rarely addressed in ward management plans. A screening process to identify, assess, provide education and intervene for nocturia has the potential to improve wellbeing, safety at night and to address risk factors.