Description

Sandvik et al developed a simple severity index for urinary incontinence in women. This can be used to initially evaluate a patient and to monitor the response to interventions over time.


 

Parameters:

(1) how often urine leakage is experienced

(2) how much urine is lost each time

 

Parameter

Finding

Points

How often is urine leakage experienced?

never

0

 

less than once a month

1

 

1 to several times a month

2

 

1 to several times a week

3

 

every day and/or night

4

How much urine lost each time?

a few drops

1

 

a little

1

 

more

2

 

severity index =

= (points for frequency) * (points for amount)

 

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 8

• The higher the score, the more severe the urinary incontinence.

 

Score

Degree of Incontinence

Median Urine Leakage in 48 Hours

Median Leakage Episodes in 48 Hours

0

dry

 

0

1 or 2

slight

32 grams

0

3 or 4

moderate

29 grams

1

5, 6, 7, or 8

severe

143 grams

6

after Hanley et al, page 1096

 

where:

• A score of 5 or 6 may be referred to as severe and 7 or 8 as very severe (Sandvik et al, 2000).

 

Performance:

• Hanley et al found the index to be reliable, valid and sensitive for a wide range of women in Scotland.

 


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