The importance of screening, assessing, and managing urinary incontinence in primary care.

PURPOSE: To present evidence that routine screening for urinary incontinence is justified because it is a clinically relevant and prevalent disorder that responds to treatment, resulting in improved outcomes for many patients managed by the nurse practitioner (NP).

DATA SOURCE: Selected scientific literature.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of urinary incontinence and success of treatment options justify routine screening, individualized assessment, and treatment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Routine screening for urinary incontinence by NPs is uncommon. Based on the relative risk, the potential success of treatment and improved quality-of-life outcomes after treatment, NPs should regularly screen and assess for incontinence.