Nursing Times Continence Journal - 6 May 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

Author Brian Buckley, PhD, MHSc, H Dip, BA, is research fellow, Department of General Practice, National University of Ireland, Galway.

Abstract Buckley, B. (2008) Identifying uncertainties to prioritise research. Nursing Times; 104: 18, 38–39.

Brian Buckley describes a project by the James Lind Alliance to identify treatment uncertainties in the care of people with urinary incontinence and prioritise these to influence and inform publicly funded research.

Authors Gill Pearl, M Phil, Dip Dis Hum Comm, Reg MRCSLT, is speech and language therapist and project manager at PromoCon, Disabled Living Centre, Manchester; Julia H. Herbert, MCSP, Grad Dip Phys, is specialist continence physiotherapist at Bolton PCT and an independent practitioner.

Abstract Pearl, G., Herbert, J.H. (2008) Assessing pelvic floor during childbearing year. Nursing Times; 104, 18, 40–44.

PromoCon, a charity led by the Disabled Living Centre that focuses on the promotion of continence and management of incontinence, has developed a multiprofessional, multifaceted approach to managing pelvic floor dysfunction associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

Author June Rogers, BSc, BA, SN (Cert), DPSN, RSCN, RN, is paediatric continence adviser and director of PromoCon, Disabled Living NW, Manchester.

Abstract Rogers, J. (2008) The IMPACT paediatric bowel care pathway. Nursing Times; 104: 18, 46–47.

Care pathways to manage continence problems in adults are well established (Bayliss et al, 2003). However, little work had been carried out to develop care pathways in paediatrics. There are increasing numbers of nurse-led clinics for children with continence problems, and nurses need structured systems to guide practice. June Rogers explains how the IMPACT paediatric bowel care pathway was developed.

Author Mary Wilson, PhD, MA, BSc, RGN, is nurse specialist in bladder and bowel health, specialist services for bladder and bowel health, Westwood Hospital, East Yorkshire.

Abstract Wilson, M. (2008) Diarrhoea and its possible impact on skin health. Nursing Times; 104: 18, 49–52.

Mary Wilson outlines the causes of diarrhoea, why bowel control may be lost when stools are loose, the potential damage to the skin and how this can be minimised. It is important that appropriate interventions are employed to treat the cause of the diarrhoea but these are not discussed in this article.