Nursing Times Continence Journal - 1 April 2008 Click the links below for all the articles from this issue of NT's Continence Journal, published in conjunction with the Association for Continence Advice
Competencies must be integrated into care
The launch of 13 national continence competencies last month is a major achievement for nurses working in continence care (See Update, p64). The competencies, produced by a partnership between Skills for Health and the RCN, should kick-start radical improvements in the overall standard of continence care in the UK.Update: Conference- Progress Through Partnership, Birmingham, 4–5 March
First national standards for bladder and bowel care to improve good practice
An integrated paediatric continence service
Author June Rogers, MSc, BA, RSCN, RN, is paediatric continence adviser, Liverpool PCT.
Abstract Rogers, J. (2008) An integrated paediatric continence service. Nursing Times; 104; 13, 70–71.
June Rogers, winner of the 2007 NT Continence Award, describes the process of developing an integrated continence service.
Use of anal plugs in faecal incontinence management
Author Julia Herbert, Grad Dip Phys, MCSP, is specialist continence physiotherapist, Bolton PCT and independent practitioner.Abstract Herbert, J. (2008) Use of anal plugs in faecal incontinence management. Nursing Times; 104: 13, 66–68.
Julia Herbert discusses how anal plugs can be used to improve the quality of life for people with faecal incontinence.
The benefits of a male patient focus group 
Author Michelle Hunt, BA, RGN, Advanced Professional Diploma in Continence Care, is clinical nurse specialist continence, Berkshire East PCT, St Mark's Hospital, Maidenhead.
Abstract Hunt, M. (2008) The benefits of a male patient focus group. Nursing Times; 104: 13, 72–74.
Michelle Hunt describes the development and benefits of a male patient focus group.
