Empowering patients to self-manage in the context of incontinence

Chronic diseases cause complex challenges and difficulties for patients, families and health professionals. With the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, long-term treatment interventions may be required. Health professionals must empower patients to adhere to therapies and develop self-management strategies. The aetiology of bladder and bowel dysfunctions is multi-dimensional with some individuals who present with chronic disease being predisposed to urinary or faecal incontinence. This article will discuss the concepts of compliance, adherence and concordance approaches in the management of bladder and bowel dysfunction, focusing on the concept of self-management approaches to enhance patients' adherence to treatment regimens and maximise therapeutic outcomes.