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Molly C Dougherty

Publications and source records attributed to Molly C Dougherty.

20 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
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Effectiveness of a computer-based system to deliver a continence health promotion intervention.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to test a computer-based system for continence health promotion that included self-management techniques for women with symptoms of involuntary urine loss, urinary frequency or urgency, or nocturia. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental trial design with repeated measures was used. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Older women (n = 71) with continence problems were recruited and completed a computer session. INSTRUMENTS: Outcomes were measured with the Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form, the Incontinence Impact on Life Questionnaire-Short Form, and a bladder diary. A modified Questionnaire for User Interface Satisfaction was used to measure satisfaction with the system. METHODS: Participants assigned to the intervention group (n = 36) used the computer-based system for continence health promotion, and those in the wait list control group (n = 35) used an alternate system. Data were collected at baseline and 8 weeks after the computer session. RESULTS: Analysis of covariance results on symptom distress and quality of life scores showed no significant treatment effect, although a trend toward improvement was observed. The intervention group improved significantly on urogenital distress (P = .01) and quality of life (P = .003) outcomes, but the control group did not. Women had little difficulty using the system and expressed satisfaction with the individualized information provided. CONCLUSIONS: Although the computer-based system did not result in significantly improved outcomes when comparing women in the 2 groups, the computer-based group improved significantly from baseline to follow-up. Further research on a computer-based system that women could access independently or that nurses could use to supplement traditional care is warranted.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Awareness of urine flow in people with long-term urinary catheters.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to acquire knowledge about urine flow in relation to fluid intake and urinary output, catheter blockage, and urinary tract infection in people with long-term urinary catheters. DESIGN: This was a community-based exploratory and descriptive study. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: The research was conducted in the homes of participants, who were interviewed in North Carolina from October 2002 to June 2003. The sample included 21 males and 9 females, aged 23-96 years; almost half were members of minority groups. INSTRUMENTS: A urinary diary was used, including intake and output recordings and narrative data, as well as a semistructured interview schedule. METHODS: Three-day fluid intake and urinary diary data were collected, followed by face-to-face tape-recorded interviews in participants' homes related to catheter experiences and practices. Analysis of data involved descriptive statistics and content analysis of narrative data. RESULTS: Although urine flow frequently was disrupted by urinary sediment or kinks in tubing, urinary tract infection was significantly related only to traumatic catheter manipulations or catheter blockage. Catheter problems associated with urinary tract infection included: (1) "rough" catheter insertions, (2) "difficult" insertions, and (3) catheter blockage. CONCLUSION: Self-monitoring of urine flow may help prevent urinary tract infection episodes through careful attention to catheter position and by preventing blockage. Further study is needed to fully understand the role of fluid intake and determine what causes traumatic catheter insertions.

Adult↗