Role of the continence nurse in health promotion.

Incontinence is a distressing and unpleasant symptom, which impacts on a person's physical, social and psychological well-being. Nurses, like other healthcare professionals, have a role in health promotion. Continence nurses can identify causes, create treatment plans and empower patients with incontinence to be involved in all aspects of their care. The five approaches to health promotion: medical, behavioural, educational, public policy and empowerment, are a useful framework to discuss the role of the nurse in the promotion of continence.