(C402) Transdisciplinary Research and Continence Care
(Room 204)
05 Jun 18
9:50 AM
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10:50 AM
Dr. Bavendam will build the case that our ability to treat urinary incontinence is rooted in empowerment of individuals to learn about their bladders and understand that they can make decisions to promote bladder health across the life course. The case will be built using her professional journey from private practice to academic practice to the pharmaceutical industry to the National Institutes of Health as the back-drop. It is crucial that the stigma surrounding urinary incontinence be lessened. The impact of bladder conditions on overall health can only be realized when individuals understand what is normal and abnormal about this necessary biologic function and are willing to seek help when they start to experience symptoms. Dr. Bavendam will introduce the NIH funded transdisciplinary Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium. Nursing professionals are important members of the PLUS Consortium. WOCN members can help make this paradigm shift inevitable.