To describe the emotions of nursing home (NH) residents associated with urinary incontinence (UI) from the point of view of healthcare professionals (HCPs).
A phenomenological descriptive study.
Seventeen HCPs caring for older people with UI for at least 6 months participated across 9 NHs in the Osona county (Barcelona, Spain). Individual interviews were conducted using online videoconferencing and, with participant consent, each session was recorded. Data obtained were analysed with Colaizzi's 7-stage method, using descriptive phenomenology. In-depth thematic analysis was finalised by using ATLAS.ti 8.0.
UI in NH residents triggers negative emotions including feelings of impotence, guilt, frustration, embarrassment, anger, discomfort, worry and insecurity. Alleviating factors include de-emphasising UI, implementing adaptations in NHs, and building a strong bond of trust between NH residents and HCPs. Conversely, resident conflicts and cognitive impairment worsen these negative emotions.
HCPs perceive a wide range of negative emotions related to UI among NH residents, influenced by cognitive impairment and interpersonal conflicts. These emotions can be eased through appropriate person-centred strategies.
There is a need to intentionally incorporate person-centred, emotionally attuned care strategies to reduce residents' distress and improve continence in NH.
This study examined how UI generates negative emotions among NH residents from the perspective of HCPs. There is a spectrum of distressing emotions related to UI that are either mitigated or exacerbated by contextual and relational factors. These findings can inform caregiving approaches in NH by guiding more tailored and empathetic strategies to support residents living with UI.
Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.
HCPs provided their perspectives on the emotions associated with UI in NH residents.
Nursing open. 2026 Jun [Epub]
Meltem Yildirim, Sandra Rierola-Fochs, Eduard Minobes-Molina, Laura Coll-Planas, Pau Moreno-Martin, Suzanne Hagen, Vinicius Rosa Oliveira, Javier Jerez-Roig
Research Group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain., Research Centre for Health, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.