Inertia in nursing care of hospitalised patients with urinary incontinence.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the existence of therapeutic inertia in the nursing care of patients with urinary incontinence during the patient's time in hospital, together with the sociodemographic and professional variables involved.

BACKGROUND: Inertia in care is a problem which appears in the nursing care process. Actions related to inertia can be attributed to not adhering to protocols, clinical guidelines and the lack of prevention measures which have undesirable effects on the efficiency of care.

DESIGN: This was a prospective observational study.

METHODS: A total of 132 nursing professionals participated over two consecutive months. Data were collected randomly through the method of systematic, nonparticipative observation of medical practice units and patients' medical records.

RESULTS: The results showed a pattern of severely compromised action in the assessment of the pattern of urinary elimination, in actions related to urinary continence, in therapeutic behaviour and in patient satisfaction and were found to be consistent with professional experience (p < .05). In the 600 records analysed, no statistically significant differences were found between gender and the use of records. In 50% (n = 301), the use of a rating scale was not reflected. In over 90% (n = 560) of cases, the type of incontinence was not recorded. In no continuity of care report were recommendations regarding incontinence included, nor was the type of continence products recommended indicated.

CONCLUSION: It is clear that inertia exists in nursing care in the hospital environment while the patient is hospitalised, in prevention care, in the treatment of urinary incontinence and in the management of records.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Contributing to the understanding of the existence of inertia in nursing care raises questions regarding its causes and interventions to predict or monitor it.