Incontinence affects millions of Australians, yet many delay seeking help. This World Continence Week (17-23 June), pharmacists are encouraged to start the conversation, offer support, and guide patients to appropriate care and resources.
A quarter of Australians are incontinent, experiencing involuntary bowel or bladder leakages that can have significant impact on their quality of life. However, with the right tools and care, incontinence can always be managed and sometimes cured.
Continence Health Australia is shining a light on an often misunderstood and under-discussed problem in hopes of bringing more people to the help they need sooner – and community pharmacists can help.
As trusted healthcare providers, normalising honest and discreet discussions about health is one of the simplest and most impactful benefits pharmacists can bring to their community practice. Many people with incontinence put off getting help out of embarrassment, but knowing they have a willing ear and helping hand at their local pharmacy can make all the difference
There are plenty of continence products pharmacies can stock and provide patients as well, including continence pads and pants, furniture protectors, or deodorising products. Continence Health Australia’s free online resources are available for anyone looking for helpful and practical tools to manage incontinence, along with their suite of continence learning courses for healthcare professionals.
Starting conversations, meeting patients where they’re at and providing helpful care and resources are already part of what pharmacists do every day – so when it comes to continence care, don’t be afraid to share a wee story!
