Patterson Angela
Continence Service, Bangor Community Hospital, Bangor, Northern Ireland.
Nurs Times. 2011;107(46):16, 18-9.
Overactive bladder syndrome has a negative impact on quality of life. This article discusses a definition of the condition and its the prevalence and aetiology, as well as some of the more common behavioural therapies. Although there is a good evidence base for bladder retraining, there is often conflicting research to support other interventions including caffeine reduction, the amount and types of fluid recommended, smoking cessation and weight reduction. A standardised approach from a national level is needed; nurses also need to demonstrate more robustly the effectiveness of their interventions.