lwl taranki - New Zealand Continence Association

N e w Z e a l a n dVisit our Website: http://www.nzcontinence.org.nzNew Zealand Urological NursesSocietyNZUNS was launched in 2001, a progression from the NZ UrologySpecial Interest Group. Currently we have a membership of117 nurses from throughout New Zealand.Membership is open to all nurses with an interest in Urology.NZUNS offers nurses a quarterly newsletter, ‘Urology Update’with current news, reports, and information about educationalstudy days and conferences. It provides the opportunity formembers to share articles of interest, quality initiatives, casestudies etc.Our NZ group is affiliated to the Australian and New ZealandUrological Nurses Society Inc (ANZUNS). The annual membershipfee of $30 entitles the member to both NZUNS andANZUNS newsletters and reduction in registration fees at associatedconferences.The objectives are to:1. Provide a communication network between Australianstates and NZ2. Maintain affiliation with international urological nursesorganisations3. Support and provide educational opportunities4. Promote nursing research5. Facilitate access to relevant resource material6. Promote the role of the urology nurse in diverse areas ofhealth care7. Identify and promote standards of urological nursingpracticeStudy days are regularly held in various regions.A national two-day NZUNS conference is held annually; thisyear’s will be held in Nelson, 17th October – 19th October.Within the conference is the opportunity for nurses to present apaper for the OBEX Travel Award, which enables the recipient toattend courses or conferences for further education.These meetings are a great opportunity to update urologicalknowledge, hear how colleagues practice and reflect on one’sown practice.For further information or membership enquiries, please feelfree to contact: jean.bothwell@waitematadhb.govt.nzPh: 09 236 0444 ~ Fax: 09 236 0788Email: info@continence.org.nzWeb Address: www.continence.org.nzAwareness Week Report– Bay of PlentyContinence awareness week is with usagain and the Theme this year is Life WithoutLimits: Men’s Issues– Is your plumbingin order?To promote this our service we put up postersaround the Hospital and a daily bulletinboard giving Bladder and Bowel statistics,facts, figures and some tips about boweland bladder problems was shared overthe DHB Intranet. This went to everyoneemployed within the DHB (around 2,800employees) and we had some really goodresponses and one negative. We have alsoreceived some referrals and emails frompeople asking advice, but surprisingly thenegative feedback came from a Doctor.We also dressed up in our Super Mimi Ladyfinery and raised awareness in the Warehouseand New World car parks – handingout balloons and pamphlets on good bladderand bowel habits and urinary symptomsin men. We also talked to people urgingthem to check their waterworks and aboutthe importance of prostate checks.Postal Address: PO Box 270 | Drury 2247 | Auckland | New ZealandFrom the PresidentN e w sWelcome to this edition of the NZCAnewsletter. The national executive has beenworking through some important issues thatwe hope to highlight in the next newsletter.These include a more robust applicationfor research money, and we encourageany members who have small projectsto apply for this, and a conflict of interestposition for the association. We hopeto put both of these in the next newsletter.Our major scientific meeting is planned forlate September 2008 in Hamilton so youshould all pencil this in to your diaries now.It is always a valuable exercise. Also canI please encourage all of you to considerwriting material for the Australian andNew Zealand Continence Journal. I havereplaced Ted Arnold on the editorial boardof the journal and can absolutely assureWebcastsThrough TTMed Urology,www.ttmed.com/urology, you will be ableto find major conference webcasts such asthe ICS 2007, the EAU 2007, the AUA 2007,SIU 2007 and much more.More than 20 hours of plenary sessionpresentations will be broadcast via the Internetto a worldwide audience without anycharge starting Tuesday, September 4.Webcasts offer the possibility of hearingthe original lectures with their synchronizedslide presentations. Twenty-four hours afterthe actual session’s end.TTMed-Teaml e t t e rA S S O C I A T I O N| V o l u m e 1 0 | Oyou we are interested in anything to do withcontinence. The editorial board is committedto helping authors get material up topublication standard. If you are uncertainabout whether something you are workingon, and this could include literature reviewsfor Masters projects, audits, or any otherscientific work, is suitable feel free to contactme with your draft in the first instanceso we can work on it. The journal is indexedin the database ‘CINAHL’ and so you workcan be found if you do chose to send it onto us.Best wishesMark WeatherallResearch FundApplicationsClosing date for 2007 research fund applications– Friday 9 November 2007Decision on funding applications– Friday 7 December 2007Please see research fund documents includedin this newsletter for further information.c t o b e r 2 0 0 7We are keen to see nurses and physios conductingresearch. This can be a full study or apilot study. Many have not done research beforeand may not feel confident submitting anapplication. To address this we plan to hold aworkshop at next year’s conference in Hamiltonon conducting research and research applications.Several members of the executivewith experience in this area have also offeredto mentor anyone through the process. If youwould like to take advantage of this offer for a2007 application please email Jan.Email applications tojan@continence.org.nzEventsContinence Foundation ofAustralia ConferenceOct. 31 - Nov. 3 2007Surfers Paradise,Marriott Hotel, Gold CoastFor more information emailshan@eventsolutions.com.auNZCA Conference12-14 September 2008HamiltonInvestigating Incontinence -Humanity and Technology

FORMAT FOR APPLICATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE AGREEMENT FOR GRANTS IN AID OF RESEARCH6 3The application for a grant-in aid of research should be typed, concise (restricted to no more than five pages exclusive of curriculum vitae)and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, NZ Continence Association, PO Box 270 Drury 2247.LWL TaranakiFor some time now our little group, consistingof Jane Bond (Private Practitioner inContinence), Alison Meerman (ContinenceAdviser at TDBH) and myself, Lisa Yates(Hospital Women’s Health Physio & Women’sPersonal fitness consultant), have beenmeeting regularly. We discuss interestingcases, new research, and ways to improvethe delivery of continence services withinthe Taranaki region. While we all have verydifferent lives, we have one thing in common– we are passionate about promotingcommunity and professional awarenesssurrounding continence. So continenceawareness week presented the perfect opportunityto take some positive action. Andwith the focus this year on Men’s Health, weknew we had our work cut out!Following many weeks of planning, ourcampaign began with some Media liaison– And a brief on our planned Continenceawareness week activities was published inthe Midweek newspaper.The week then kicked off with a livelyinterview on the popular morning radiostation, which had Jane candidly answeringsome rather probing question, and hadpresenter Barney squirming in his seat withher answers! She was supposed to havebeen joined by a local Urologist, but unfortunatelyhe had an emergency to attendto. However, nothing was lost, the interviewproving a huge success with many commentsfrom pleased (albeit slightly amazed)listeners - keen to learn more about this alltoo often taboo topic.This was complimented by strategic placementof the fantastic NZCA posters, whichwere plastered everywhere… Doctor /Physio waiting rooms, both public & hospitalstaff toilets, the shopping mall, the maternitywards, and of course we had a displayin the hospital public health cabinet. Therewas no escaping the fact that 30% of menin a doctor’s waiting room have experiencedbladder or bowel problems, but onlya third seek help.In addition, we planned a much talkedabout, highly controversial “peeing competition”to be contested by the local representativesoccer and rugby clubs. Figuringnothing attracts male attention more thanbeer and sport, a popular sports bar wasthe agreed location. The events programmeincluded: a timed void, the largestvolume, and the highest aim, with a localGP arranged to judge. (We thought thatthe lads may get stage fright if they hadthree women judging!). However, much toour disappointment, the rugby boys had agame scheduled for the following eveningand withdrew, forcing us to cancel theevent, causing a default victory to TeamTaranaki Soccer.In hindsight, one was left pondering if thecommon association between the male micturitionprocess and his inherent masculinitymay have factored in the teams’ withdrawal.While we can only hypothesize thereasons for the last minute change of heart,it was an important reminder of the fragilityof this health issue. As health professionalswe must never forget the potential anxietyand embarrassment it can cause, evenamongst men representing the sportingelite of our province.All was not lost however, as we still hadour finale – an information stall at CentreCity on Saturday morning. The three of usarrived amidst a flurry of green helium balloons,posters, information leaflets, and followedby two young men; wearing no morethan incontinence pants and t-shirts askingthe questions: “Is your plumbing in order?”And “Worried this may happen to you?”The brave lads (who actually volunteeredtheir time) proved to be big crowd drawers,finding themselves answering all sorts ofquestions, and amusing shoppers with theirthought provoking message. If the commotioncaused by our human billboards wasn’tenough, we also had a competition witha cash-shopping voucher as a draw card.Whilst answering six questions on men’sincontinence, participants were given theopportunity to learn and ask questions, withthe potential bonus of winning a shoppingspree!Through the planning and execution of ourvarious Continence awareness activities,I am confident we achieved our objectiveof increasing community awareness andencouraging discussion surrounding thiscommon problem. What was perhapsmost interesting, was witnessing some ofthe terrified faces trying earnestly to look inthe opposite direction. Or watching thosefrightened men rapidly retreating whenthey realised the topic at hand. As a healthprofessional, talking about continence isjust a normal part of my day, but I was remindedthat for a percentage of our societyit is a horrifying topic; One that despite allour medical advancements, is still for manyan incredibly difficult issue to raise withanyone. I wonder how we can better reachthose people next year?Applications for support of research will normally be made by the supervisor of the particular project whose research record will be takeninto account in the Research Committee’s deliberations. This stipulation does not prevent the appropriate recognition of an undergraduateor graduate student or other persons who will be appointed to work on the project but emphasizes the line of accountability for funds thatmay be granted by the NZ Continence Association.Applicants are required to provide responses under the headings shown below.Five copies are required but only one requires all signatures.Applicants should particularly note that they,a) must arrange ethical review of any research proposals involving human subjects or animals.b) must ensure that the Host Institution and the signatories are clearly identified on the Administrative Agreement.APPLICATION FOR GRANT IN AID OF RESEARCH1. Personal DataInclude the applicant’s name, qualifications, position, address and telephone number.2. Title of Project3. Specific ObjectivesInclude one paragraph indicating briefly the specific objectives of the proposed research.4. Subject ReviewInclude a brief background review of the problem, with references.5. Method and Research PlansProvide a brief description with references of how the problem is to be tackled; indicate experimental and statistical methods, animals etc to be used, precautionsto be taken and justifying the number of specimens, or animal and human subjects to be studied.6. Potential Significance of ProjectIndicate the potential significance of the project and in particular how it meets the general aims of the NZ Continence Association7. Research site and ResourcesIndicate location of research and available resources.8. Assistance RequiredIndicate the nature of the assistance requested with justification. Please detail the amounts required. Sometimes it may only be possible to assist in part,therefore applicants should list priorities.9. Assistance AvailableIndicate such other assistance as is already, or may be, available for the project including, financial etc.10. Time Available and Duration of ProjectIndicate the estimated time to be spent by each person on the project expressed as a proportion of their total working hours. The estimated duration of theproject should also be stated.11. Research ExperienceIndicate research experience of the personnel, particularly in the field related to the project.13. Ethical ReviewProvide a statement to the effect that the proposed work involving human or animal experimentation has been approved by an appropriate committee. Ethicalapproval must be obtained between approval of funding an uplifting of the grant14. Curriculum VitaeAppend to each copy of the application an abbreviated CV of members of the project team, such CV not to exceed two pages.ADMINISTRATIVE AGREEMENTOnly one signed copy required with each application.a) The applicant understands and agrees that any grant received as a result of this application is subject to the conditions of the NZ ContinenceAssociation as set out in the information statement and that the grant funds will only be expended for the purpose described in theapplication. The applicant agrees to supply reports on progress of the work as required and on completion of the work.Signed............................................................................................................................. (Applicant) (Date)b) The Head of Department (where applicable) approves this application and agrees to accept this research within the department.Signed............................................................................................................................. (Date)c) The institution agrees and undertakes to support the research outlined in this application.Signed............................................................................................................................. (Date)Host Institution..............................................................................................................

4 5Grants in aid of researchInformation & ConditionsGeneralThe New Zealand Continence Association (NZCA) is an organization comprising members who have a professional interest incontinence. An important aim of the NZCA is to promote research into continence, particularly as it affects New Zealanders.Grants for research may be awarded to medical or non-medical researchers whose applications satisfy the aims of the NZCA.The NZCA delegates authority for the administration of its grants in aid of research to its National Executive Committee or asub-committee appointed by the National Executive Committee. In formulating its recommendations the Research AdvisoryCommittee considers the scientific merits of the research proposed, the funds available, and the extent to which the proposalsupports the aims of the NZCA. Most grants made are of a seeding nature and offer support for a year or less.Grants may be used for some or all of the following purposes:a) The purchase of equipment and supplies specifically required for the conduct of the research.b) Working expenses of the research project.c) The payment of salaries and wages, however as the funds available will be limited generally salaries are unlikely to befunded.Applications for grants are generally called once each year, in April, and completed applications are to be submitted to theNational Executive Office by 31 April. Decisions on grant applications will be made during June.The expectation of the NZCA is that funding of a research project will result in a presentation at the scientific meeting of theNZCA and the publication of a paper in a reputable journal. We strongly encourage applicants to consider publication of theresearch in the Australian and New Zealand Continence Journal.Specific conditions that apply to grants made by the NZCA1. OwnershipUnless otherwise stated in the notice of the award of a grant, equipment purchased under the grant shall become the propertyof the host institution from the commencement of the grant.2. VariationNo project funded, or otherwise assisted by the NZCA may be varied by the grantee without the approval of the National ExecutiveCommittee or its Research Advisory sub-committee. Should a project be discontinued, the grantee must inform the ChiefExecutive Officer promptly so that the funds remaining may be applied for the promotion of other projects. If a grantee fails tocommence research work on a project within six months from the date of approval the funding of the project will be deemed tohave lapsed. The NZCA reserves the right to discontinue funding at any time should it come to notice that the funds are not beingapplied in a satisfactory manner and if circumstances warrant seek the return of any unexpended funds.3. Ethical ApprovalAll research proposals involving human subjects or animals must be approved by an appropriate Ethics Committee.4. AcknowledgementIn any publication or presentation of research supported by the NZCA the support of the NZCA must be acknowledged. A minimalstatement would be in the form:“This work was supported by the NZ Continence Association”5. PublicityIf you do not agree to the mention of your name to the news media in the event of your application being successful, pleaseadvise the Chief Executive Officer of the NZCA.6. Research ReportsWhile the NZCA may require that a report on work in progress under a grant be submitted at any time, recipients of grantsthat have been current for seven months or longer, will be required to write a report on completed work or work in progress,for inclusion in the Chief Executive Officer’s Annual Report, and discussed as an agenda item at the Annual General Meeting.Reports will be required in early July in the form determined by the Chief Executive Officer. The aim of the NZCA is to promotea high standard of reporting in terms of scientific presentation and lay understanding in order to promote the widest possibleinterest in the work supported by the NZCA. Recipients of grants are expected to understand that not only must their work satisfymembers of the NZCA, but also must be seen by members of the NZCA as worthy of support in the promotion of research interms of the aims of the NZCA.The NZCA expects to receive a copy of any publication arising from work it has supported.7. Format of ApplicationsApplications must conform to the outline shown in the NZCA document “Format for Applications for Grants in Aid of Research.”Any enquires should be directed to the Chief Executive Officer of the NZCA. The postal address is Chief Executive Officer, NZContinence Association, PO Box 270 Drury 2247.Duloxetine comparedwith placebo for treatingwomen with symptoms ofoveractive bladder.Steers WD, Hershorn S, Kreder KJ,Moore K, Strobehn K, Yalcin I, BumpRC.BJU International 2007;100:337-345This is a report of a randomised controlledtrial of duloxetine, a serotonin-noradrenalinereuptake inhibitor more widelyused out of NZ for the treatment of stressincontinence, in women with overactivebladder. Women were recruited from 30study centres in Australia, Canada, and theUS. They had to be greater than 18 years ofage and have overactive bladder symptomsfor 3 months prior to entry into the study.At baseline and before study entry theparticipants completed a 2 day frequencyvolume chart, then had urodynamic assessmentincluding a post-void residual volumeand were then randomised to duloxetine 80mg/day or placebo. At 4 weeks the dose ofduloxetine was increased to 120 mg/day.Three sets of voided volume records and arepeat urodynamic assessment was carriedout in the following 12 weeks. The mainoutcome variable was voiding episodes perday. The study was designed to detect adifference of 0.33 of a difference in voidingepisodes per day although the authors donot comment on whether this was a clinicallyimportant difference. There were alarge number of other outcome variablesincluding Quality of Life instruments. Initially153 women were randomised to eachof the two treatments and by week 12, 120were still in the placebo group and 90 inthe duloxetine group.The mean age was 53 years in the placebogroup, only about 10% had previously triedoxybutynin, the mean voids per 24 hourswas 10.6, and on formal urodynamicsabout 40% had detrusor overactivity.Unfortunately the results do not give simplesummary statistics for the actual values ofthe outcome variables at the endpoint timeof 12 weeks and do not give confidenceintervals for the differences between activeand placebo group. Instead the results arepresented as the baseline readings andchange from baseline within groups anda P value only for the difference betweengroups.For the primary outcome variable the voidsper 24 hours was 1.2 less in the treatmentgroup compared to the control group.Amongst the secondary outcome variablesthe mean inter-voiding interval was23 minutes longer for the treatment groupcompared to the control group. The urinaryincontinence episodes were 0.6 fewer perday in the treatment group.Overall the study gives some evidence thatduloxetine is superior to placebo for overactivebladder symptoms in women. Caveatsfor the trial are the high drop out rate in theactive treatment group, related to side effects,and that the results are not presentedby accepted standards for the reporting ofrandomised trials. Clearly a trial is neededof duloxetine versus anticholinergic treatment.Draft DisclosureDocument: For discussionThe New Zealand Continence Association(NZCA) national executive resolved ata face-to-face meeting 24 June 2007 toestablish a disclosure policy with respect topresentations at NZCA meetings and for theNational executive members. We wish thispolicy to be concordant with that publishedon the International Continence Societywebsite (address:date accessed).In particular the National Executive wishesto put on a formal basis a declaration of therelationship between companies manufacturingor marketing products or servicesin relation to continence, industry, and themembers of the National Executive andpresenters at meetings sponsored by theNZCA.The National Executive recognises that in asmall country such as New Zealand that aclose relationship between health professionalsdealing with continence and industryis inevitable and often beneficial to bothgroups. As a particular example the NZCAand its meetings benefit from financial supportof industry.Cont’d on page 7