NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mary Pattock, School of Nursing (612-624-0939, patto017@umn.edu)
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA's FIRST NURSES' CLINIC TREATS AILMENT THAT SUFFERERS ARE RELUCTANT TO DISCUSS
Minnesota Continence Associates Uses Non-surgical Treatments
(MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, December 6, 2005) - The problem of urinary incontinence affects 34 million Americans, including one in four women. Even though it diminishes their health, functioning and quality of life, many don't report it. Some consider it a normal part of aging; others are embarrassed, unaware of treatment options or fear they will have to have surgery.
Now the University of Minnesota School of Nursing has opened a continence care clinic for women, offering a wide range of effective, non-surgical treatments. The practice was established in collaboration with University of Minnesota Physicians and the Deborah E. Powell Center of Excellence in Women's Health. According to Jean Wyman, clinic director and director of the Center for Gerontological Nursing, a majority of women with incontinence and other bladder dysfunctions can be helped significantly through individually tailored, simple non-surgical treatments that are designed for their particular needs and preferences.
Minnesota Continence Associates (MCA) is staffed by nurse practitioners who specialize in incontinence care. It offers comprehensive evaluation and non-surgical treatments for women with a variety of urinary symptoms, and refers patients to University of Minnesota Physicians and other specialists as appropriate.
This is the first time the School of Nursing has made its expertise available to the public in its own clinical practice.
"Many of our school's nurse scientists are known internationally as clinical experts in particular health conditions," says School of Nursing Dean Connie Delaney. "Our continence clinic begins to channel that expertise into high quality health care for our own community."
Delaney says the establishment of the clinic signals a new synergy at the School. "We already had research and education, and the clinic completes the circle. It means nursing research, education and practice will come together in new ways that strengthen all three and produce breakthroughs in health care. This particular synergy is unique in Minnesota."
MCA is located at the Women's Health Clinic in the Phillips-Wangensteen Building, 516 Delaware Street S.E., on the East Bank campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. It is accessible on Metro Transit bus routes. For information or to make an appointment, call 612-626-3444. Services are covered under many health insurance and HMO plans.
MCA is also available to help long-term care facilities in the Twin Cities metro area meet new federal (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) guidelines on urinary incontinence. To inquire about on-site incontinence evaluations and staff education, contact Kim Zemke at 612-626-2102 or zemke007@umn.edu.
The Minnesota Continence Associates Web site, www.nursing.umn.edu/ContinenceClinic, offers additional information about the clinic, continence treatments and resources.
The University of Minnesota School of Nursing, ranked among the nation's top nursing schools, is a leader in improving health care through research, education and service. Its nationally and world-renowned scientists discover practical health care treatments and solutions people can use today to improve their daily lives. The oldest continuing university-based school of nursing in the nation, it now has a combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment of approximately 850 students. The school produces 55 percent of the faculty in Minnesota's public and private nursing schools, advanced practice nurses and nurses who can assume leadership positions. The School of Nursing is part of the Academic Health Center, one of the most comprehensive facilities for health professionals in the nation, fostering interdisciplinary study, research and education.
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