Continence in Older People: elearning

Course Overview

This course covers both urinary and faecal incontinence in older people. We will look at the impact it has on the older population, the symptoms, causes, and the treatment options. There is an emphasis on the wider MDT, including the roles played by Nurses and Physiotherapists, as well as contributions from Urologists and Urogynecologists.

Each module features a number of cases studies and videos from a wide range of experts, who will take you through the treatment plan for each case. You will also find links to external resources to support your learning.

Why study this course

Course options

The elearning course is accessible for free for BGS members but charged at £150 for non-members

Participants can progress through the module chapters and undertake the multiple-choice questions.

Achieving 80% or higher in the assessment modules results in course certification.

The total course is approved for 10 CPD hours/credits. Approximate timings for individual modules are:

Bladder Health: Stress Incontinence & Overactive Bladder	200 minutes
Bladder Health: Lower Urinary Tract and Nocturia	200 minutes
Bowel Health: Constipation	100 minutes
Bowel Health: Faecal Incontinence	100 minutes

As a member, you can register for free access using the pink button at the side of this page.

You can access the course without being a member of the BGS. To do so, you need to create a Non-Member account and pay £150.

With an account, register using the pink button at the side of this page. You can join the BGS to enjoy the wider membership benefits.

Not yet a member? Click here to join the BGS

How to access the elearning course

Once registered, you can immediately access the course. If you wish to come back and take the course later, you can do so by logging into your BGS website account.

Click on 'My account' at the top right corner of the page and then select the 'CPD and certificates' button (on the right hand side).
You will be able to see all registered courses which are currently running.
Make sure you click on 'Exit Activity' before you leave the course page to ensure you record your progress

You may have difficulties accessing the course via Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge.

We recommend you use Chrome, Safari or Firefox as your browser.

Not yet a member? Click here to join the BGS

Course Learning Outcomes

Module 1

Understand how urinary continence is maintained and the causes of incontinence in the older person
Diagnose stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder syndrome from a history and bladder diary
Understand the role of a specialist continence nurse and specialist pelvic floor physiotherapist
Recognise indications for pessaries and the role of the nurse specialist
Recognise the role of the urologist and urogynecologist and understand when to refer to these specialists
Understand the evidence base behind conservative, pharmacological, and surgical treatment options for overactive bladder syndrome

Module 2

Differentiate between acute and chronic urinary retention through a history and examination
Recognise risk factors for acute and chronic causes of urinary retention
Understand indications for intermittent self catheterisation (ISC) with an awareness of when this can be offered as an alternative to a long term catheter
To develop an approach for assessing the cause of nocturia, and to be able to explain this to your patient
To develop a patient-centred, holistic treatment plan for a patient with nocturia

Module 3

Describe the anatomy and physiology required for a normal bowel movement, and understand what conditions will affect this in the older adult
List causes of constipation in the older adult and formulate a management approach to these
Be able to describe to an older person how dietary changes can improve constipation, and describe the optimal toileting position to somebody
Understand different classes of laxatives and be able to describe regimes for chronic constipation and faecal impaction in the older adult
Recognise Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD) and formulate a management plan for this

Module 4

Recognise different causes of faecal incontinence in the older adult
Recognise the role of a physiotherapist specialising in pelvic floor health
Understand when to refer for specialist colorectal advice and what investigations they may perform and why
To recognise surgical management options for faecal incontinence in both frail and non-frail older people

Group

Bladder and Bowel Health

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