WITH World Continence Week running from 16-22 Jun, Continence Health Australia is calling on pharmacists to start a conversation with people to help support early management of incontinence.
"Too many people suffer in silence, and it doesn't have to be that way," Continence Health Australia CEO, Jim Cooper said.
"Supporting people to manage their continence health early means we can reduce long-term costs to the health system, ease the burden on carers, and most importantly, improve quality of life for millions of Australians," he continued.
"Community pharmacists have an important role in starting these conversations and providing early support," Cooper said.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is also highlighting the importance of these conversations, pointing out that community pharmacists are the most accessible frontline healthcare providers and can provide expert advice, support or recommendations for specialist care, including referrals to continence nurses.
"Continence issues affect one in four Aussies at many different stages of life," Professor Trent Twomey, National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia, said.
"It's often overlooked or ignored by patients who don't realise the support that can be offered.
"Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients managing continence issues, and we are here to provide accessible, discreet and expert care to everyone who walks through the door."
Community pharmacists can offer a range of support options, including advising on suitable creams, pads or products for different life stages and conducting medication reviews.
They can also help patients with applications for financial support from the government to cover the cost of continence products through the Commonwealth Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) and other state and territory programs.
A recent report commissioned by Continence Health Australia noted that in 2023, there were over 7.2 million people with incontinence in Australia, a number expected to rise to 8.6 million by 2032, or 34% of the population.
Almost three-quarters (71%) of people with incontinence are younger than 65 years. KB
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 19 Jun 25
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