Simply Busting a community continence promotion initiative of the Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia ICS Christchurch 2006 Presented by Deborah Gordon B App Science (Physiotherapy), Grad Dip Physio (Women's Health), Masters in Public Health Community Continence Education Sessions: Western Australia

Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia Background The Continence Advisory Service has successfully conducted an annual public seminar during Continence Awareness Week since (attendance 200+ people) Invited speakers have included: urologists, urogynaecologists, colorectal surgeons and physiotherapists Evaluation of the events revealed the following: - People found the seminars useful - People expressed interest in having events in their local communities - People were keen to learn how to improve their health by adopting good bladder and bowel habits.

Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia History February Health promotion officer appointed. Role includes applying for grants. October 2003 – small grant ( $AUD400) received to hold a continence education seminar How to unchain yourself from a wee problem… December 2003 – received grant from municipal government - City of Joondalup 2004 community education held in the City of Joondalup and the City of Swan 2005 to present Simply Busting program template refined and repeated with other municipal governments.

Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia Aims and objectives Ottawa Charter (1998) Health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve their health Simply Busting works within a health promotion framework and aims to provide people with information on : normal bladder and bowel function bladder and bowel health issues good and bowel health practices self help strategies management and treatment options referral to clinical services

Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia Formula health promotion/community development approach consider demographics (grant may specify target group, eg seniors living in the community) community engagement – participation, sponsorship advertising and promotion is essential

Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia Information provided on bladder and bowel health issues, not just incontinence Free event (?) Trade displays and sponsorship, pens, writing pads Free continence fact sheets Access to public transport, parking Access by people with a disability

Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia Marketing continence product suppliers and representatives community care agencies pharmacies doctors surgeries physiotherapy clinics CFA members local fitness groups, sporting, service, recreation, seniors and religious organisations local health centres, hospitals client database circulate through networks via web page

Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia Simply Busting? Join the Continence Advisory Service for a fun and enjoyable morning to find out how to prevent and help bladder & bowel problems! FREE MORNING TEA. When: Thursday, 21st July Time: 10am –12pm Location: Mosman Park Cost: Free BOOK TODAY! Contact Kim or Maria Telephone: This project is an initiative of the Continence Advisory Service of WA Inc. The Continence Advisory Service is a Home and Community Care Program. This project is proudly supported by the Town of Mosman Park Community Development Fund. Continence Advisory Service of WA Inc.

Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia Results

Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia

Intended and actual lifestyle changes made following education session: Increase fluid consumption Limit tea and coffee Do pelvic floor muscle exercises Increase general exercise

Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia

Where to from here? Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia Providing education, advice and information on bladder and bowel health issues - Further evaluation - Corporate sponsorship - Human resource issues

Continence Advisory Service of Western Australia Acknowledgments Continence Advisory Service of WA staff and Board Volunteers Municipal governments - City of Nedlands - City of Cockburn - Town of Mosman Park - City of Joondalup Continence trade supply companies and their staff Bakers Delight and Brumbys bakeries