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Patient Experience Spotlight: Addressing Bladder Control Issues

Published Date: 2025-10-27

This month, we’re focusing on an often overlooked but critical aspect of patient care to improve bladder control for your patients. This is an important measure on the Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) and a key factor in quality of life for many patients.

For our Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) population, addressing bladder control issues can have a significant impact as many patients may experience related challenges due to age, chronic conditions, or medication side effects.

Why Address Bladder Control?

Improves quality of life: Helping patients manage bladder control can increase their confidence and independence.
Reduces health risks: Early interventions can prevent complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or skin issues.
Enhances comfort: Addressing this sensitive issue can help patients

feel more comfortable in their daily activities.

Tips for Addressing Bladder Control

Patient Experience Survey Questions

In the past six months, have you experienced leaking of urine?
Have you ever talked with a doctor, nurse, or other health care provider about leaking of urine?
There are many ways to control or manage the leaking of urine, including bladder training exercises, medication, and surgery. Have you ever talked with a doctor, nurse, or other health care provider about any of these approaches?

Pre-Visit	Encourage openness Share educational materials with patients before their appointment to normalize discussions about bladder health. Collect pre-visit information Use intake forms or pre-visit surveys to ask about urinary symptoms, frequency, or any concerns they may have. Prepare staff Train team members to handle bladder health discussions with sensitivity and respect to create a welcoming environment.
During the Office Visit	Start the conversation Use open-ended, nonjudgmental questions like, “Have you noticed any changes in your bladder habits?” or “Do you ever feel worried about bladder control?” Assess contributing factors Evaluate potential causes such as medications, diet, mobility limitations, or chronic conditions. Provide personalized advice Suggest manageable strategies like fluid management, bladder training exercises, or dietary changes. Discuss available treatments Educate patients about medical interventions such as pelvic floor therapy, medications, or incontinence products, when appropriate.
Post-Visit	Follow up regularly Check in to see if the patient’s symptoms have improved or if adjustments are needed. Provide resources Share information about community programs, physical therapy options, or online support groups. Monitor progress Track patient-reported outcomes to identify patterns and ensure continuous care.

Bladder control is a sensitive topic that requires compassion, understanding, and proactive care. By addressing this issue, we can improve a patient’s quality of life and overall health while positively impacting HOS scores.

Together, we can help our members live with greater comfort, confidence, and dignity.