International Journal of Urological Nursing最新文献

Instability within the nursing workforce undermines service continuity, patient outcomes and staff wellbeing in urology services. Workforce retention remains a persistent challenge across the NHS, particularly in specialist teams where continuity, advanced expertise and relational care are critical. This paper presents a critically reflective leadership and service improvement project undertaken within a specialist urology cancer nursing team (n = 20) working across four hospital sites at a London oncology centre in the UK. The team comprised 16 senior Clinical Nurse Specialists (Band 7) and 4 Clinical Nurse Specialists (Band 6). The project was undertaken as part of the Rosalind Franklin Leadership Programme and was designed to inform leadership practice rather than generate generalisable research findings; therefore, it did not constitute a research study or audit. Data sources included exit interviews with staff who voluntarily left the service (n = 5), documented one-to-one reflective leadership discussions (n = 20), structured staff feedback sessions, and organisational workforce datasets (Great with Talent Annual Report, April 2024–March 2025; QSR1 workforce dataset, June 2025). These sources were analysed to identify recurrent patterns influencing workforce stability and to guide iterative leadership interventions focused on career development, recognition, role clarity, team cohesion and psychological safety. Four recurrent drivers of turnover were identified: limited career progression, inconsistent recognition, structural role ambiguity and unclear pathway ownership. In response, targeted leadership interventions were implemented, including structured career development pathways, mentorship, enhanced recognition practices, clearer role definition and transparent performance management. Over the subsequent 6–12 months, voluntary resignations reduced from five to one, alongside reported improvements in staff morale, role clarity, team cohesion, continuity of care, and perceived organisational support. This critically reflective leadership project demonstrates how compassionate, adaptive and systems-based leadership approaches can address workforce instability in specialist nursing services. While context-specific, the learning offers transferable leadership insights aligned with national workforce priorities, supporting sustainable retention, workforce resilience, and strengthened organisational culture.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent health issue worldwide, with its frequency increasing with age and negatively impacting individuals across various aspects of life. This study aims to determine the prevalence of UI, identify risk factors, and assess awareness and attitudes in women aged 18–65. This research, conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional case study, was conducted with 294 randomly selected women working in a hospital in a province of Turkey. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews using the Introductory Information Form and the Urinary Incontinence Awareness and Attitude Scale (URINAS). UI was found in 29% of women aged 18–65. Among those with UI, 34% consulted a physician, and 22% received treatment. Factors influencing UI include age, BMI, vaginal delivery, menopause, family history, having constipation, lifting heavy objects, urinary tract infections, and a desire for Kegel exercise training (p < 0.05). Approximately one-third of women aged 18–65 experience UI. However, only one-third of those seek medical advice and one-fifth receive treatment. Factors that affect UI include age, body mass index, vaginal delivery, menopause, urinary tract infections, heavy lifting, and doing kegel exercises. Women generally accepted UI as a health issue, had high health motivation, did not experience significant restrictions, and displayed moderate levels of coping and fear.

The development of building research capacity (BRC) is critical for empowering individuals, institutions, organisations and nations by systematically defining and prioritising research questions. It is deemed essential for advancing healthcare research. In the context of Urological Nursing, there is a pressing need to develop BRC to enable nurses to adopt an evidence-based and broadened scope of practice. This reflective article discusses the authors' experiences with BRC during post-doctoral training in urological nursing, facilitated through an international Strengths-Based Nursing and Healthcare mentoring program. Additionally, the BRC in Urological Nursing is highlighted as a means to expand and solidify the specialised knowledge within this field.

Postoperative thirst is a common but often overlooked symptom in patients undergoing urological surgery, with potential negative effects on comfort and recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the experience of postoperative thirst in patients undergoing urological surgery and to determine the factors influencing this symptom. A descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 102 patients at the Urology Clinic of a university hospital. Data were collected using an Information Form and the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale (EDESP) and analysed through descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The mean EDESP score was 6.61 ± 3.11, indicating a moderate level of thirst. Regression analysis showed that marital status, type of surgery, prior surgical experience, age, and duration of anaesthesia were significant predictors of thirst. Higher scores were observed among single patients, those undergoing major surgery, and those with previous surgical experience, while older age and prolonged anaesthesia were also associated with greater thirst discomfort. These findings highlight that thirst is an important postoperative symptom that requires systematic assessment. Considering individual and clinical factors in its management may improve patient comfort and contribute to the quality of nursing care in urological surgery.

The aim of the work was to evaluate the perceived impact of postgraduate urology education on the knowledge, confidence and career development of non-medical professionals. In addition, to assess implications for service delivery and cost savings in the context of evolving healthcare roles and workforce pressure. The objectives were firstly to assess the personal and professional development outcomes for nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) who completed urology education programmes. Secondly, to explore changes in clinical service delivery, including the implementation of new procedures and clinics. Thirdly, to estimate cost savings and time efficiencies gained through role expansion, and finally, to identify any challenges associated with role development. A mixed-methods survey was administered to three cohorts of students who completed modules or full postgraduate urology programmes. Data was collected via an online questionnaire developed and piloted by the education team comprising Likert scale items and open-ended questions. Thirty-three responses of quantitative data were analysed independently by two researchers using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Ethical approval was granted by Edge Hill University (Ref: ETH2223-0246) for the study, including participant recruitment and data collection. Informed consent was obtained, and participants' confidentiality was maintained throughout. The majority of participants reported increased confidence, knowledge relating to urology and role development. Many expanded their roles by introducing new clinical services, and some assumed leadership roles in service development. A cost-benefit analysis demonstrated measuring savings linked to task shifting, particularly when nurses undertook local anaesthetic prostate biopsy (LATP) and flexible cystoscopies. The work concluded that postgraduate urology education for nurses and allied urology staff leads to significant workforce benefits and supports NHS service resilience. Further research is required to evaluate long-term impact and national scalability. Future research should also explore patient outcomes and organisational factors influencing the role expansion.

This study aimed to evaluate urinary incontinence and its impact on quality of life in women diagnosed with diabetes. Conducted as a cross-sectional analytical study, it included 217 women with diabetes who were admitted to a public hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Descriptive Information Form and the Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL), and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. Significant differences were found between I-QOL total and subscale scores and various incontinence-related factors, including pain during urination, amount of urine leakage, presence of incontinence, coping strategies for incontinence, difficulty urinating, urinary tract infections in the last 6 months, incontinence episodes in the last 30 days, incontinence while urinating, frequency of urinary incontinence, frequent urination, use of incontinence-related medication, and pad use (p < 0.01). Overall, the findings indicate that urinary incontinence is a prevalent health issue among women with diabetes and significantly impairs their quality of life, suggesting that addressing incontinence within diabetes management programs may help improve patient well-being.

A nephrostomy is a temporary or long-term drain inserted into the kidney attached to an externalised bag for drainage of urine. At our institution, we perform around 149 nephrostomy insertions/exchanges annually; approximately two-thirds are for long-term indications. Despite nephrostomy care (NC) being synchronous with cancer treatment, knowledge and confidence in nephrostomy management appear limited. A Quality Improvement Project (NephQIP) was designed to understand problems and consider solutions. We used a phased approach to data collection that included: (a) a healthcare professional (HCP) confidence and knowledge survey; (b) an audit of calls/emails to the Urology Specialist Nursing Team (SNT), and patient support hotline; (c) patient interviews; and d. pathway mapping. Survey respondents understood the common concerns on NC, and most sought training. Despite this there was mixed confidence in HCP knowledge. Most telephone and email queries regarding NC were directed to the SNT. We conclude that the patient experience of nephrostomy care demonstrates multiple areas for improvement and the nephrostomy pathway can be streamlined to improve both patient care/experience and HCP involvement.