Collection of papers on urinary incontinence
Book: Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly. Pharmacotherapy Treatment
Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly. Pharmacotherapy Treatment
Editor: James W. Cooper
The Haworth Press, Inc, 10 Alice St, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580 USA
1997, 72 pp
Overall Rating
Good
Strengths
Comprehensive, current, useful information
Weakness
Information is difficult to access, is in table format, and is in small print
Audience
Family physicians, other health care providers, and caregivers
Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly is not so much a textbook as it is a collection of papers dealing with different aspects of urinary incontinence (UI). As such, the articles might be useful to different audiences.
For physicians whose practices primarily involve the elderly, either in the office or in long-term care settings, this book has many excellent features. There is a comprehensive overview of the risk factors, clinical evaluation, and treatment of urinary incontinence. This information is presented primarily in table format. Although the title suggests only pharmacologie treatment, other management options, such as behavioural interventions and surgical treatments, are described.
For physicians working in chronic care settings and learning about assessment, laboratory tests that include urodynamic studies and current pharmacologie treatment are invaluable. Physicians in the office recognize urinary incontinence in the aging population as a common and distressful condition. As such, any measures, pharmacologie or behavioural, to minimize the problem, will be appreciated.
Most of the information, useful as it is, is presented in tables and logarithms. One chapter, however, is a paper on caregiver guidelines that is written in text format. It is directed toward non-professional caregivers responsible for people at home or in institutions. This material is clear and well organized. It can be photocopied and given to patients and their families.
One drawback is the small size of the book and the minuscule print — a great disadvantage for many of us.
Overall, the information could be better organized and more visible. If readers are willing to accept these drawbacks, the text is current and helpful.