Emotions Associated With Urinary Incontinence in Nursing Home Residents: A Phenomenological Analysis of Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives.

AIM: To describe the emotions of nursing home (NH) residents associated with urinary incontinence (UI) from the point of view of healthcare professionals (HCPs).

DESIGN

A phenomenological descriptive study.

METHODS

Seventeen HCPs caring for older people with UI for at least 6 months participated across 9 NHs in the Osona county (Barcelona, Spain). Individual interviews were conducted using online videoconferencing and, with participant consent, each session was recorded. Data obtained were analysed with Colaizzi's 7-stage method, using descriptive phenomenology. In-depth thematic analysis was finalised by using ATLAS.ti 8.0.

RESULTS

UI in NH residents triggers negative emotions including feelings of impotence, guilt, frustration, embarrassment, anger, discomfort, worry and insecurity. Alleviating factors include de-emphasising UI, implementing adaptations in NHs, and building a strong bond of trust between NH residents and HCPs. Conversely, resident conflicts and cognitive impairment worsen these negative emotions.

CONCLUSION

HCPs perceive a wide range of negative emotions related to UI among NH residents, influenced by cognitive impairment and interpersonal conflicts. These emotions can be eased through appropriate person-centred strategies.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: There is a need to intentionally incorporate person-centred, emotionally attuned care strategies to reduce residents' distress and improve continence in NH.

IMPACT: This study examined how UI generates negative emotions among NH residents from the perspective of HCPs. There is a spectrum of distressing emotions related to UI that are either mitigated or exacerbated by contextual and relational factors. These findings can inform caregiving approaches in NH by guiding more tailored and empathetic strategies to support residents living with UI.

REPORTING METHOD: Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: HCPs provided their perspectives on the emotions associated with UI in NH residents.