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School Opens Its First
Clinic for the Public
Minnesota Continence Associates uses non-surgical treatments
BY MARY PATTOCK
For the first time, the School of Nursing is making its expertise available to the public
in its own clinical practice: a continence care clinic for women, offering a wide range of
effective, non-surgical treatments.
Minnesota Continence Associates (MCA), staffed by nurse practitioners from the school,
offers comprehensive evaluation and non-surgical treatments for women with a variety
of urinary symptoms. Referrals are made to University of Minnesota Physicians and other
specialists as appropriate.
The practice was established in collaboration with University of Minnesota Physicians
and the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. It is located in the Phillips
Wangensteen Building on the university’s East Bank, and will soon open an additional
clinic near downtown Minneapolis.
Urinary incontinence affects 34 million Americans, including one in four women. Even
though it diminishes their health, functioning and quality of life, many don’t report it.
Some consider it a normal part of aging; others are embarrassed, unaware of treatment
options or fear that their only option will be surgery.
According to Jean Wyman, PhD, RN, FAAN, FSGA, clinic director and director of the
Center for Gerontological Nursing, a majority of women with incontinence and other
bladder dysfunctions can be helped significantly through individually tailored, simple
non-surgical treatments that are designed for their particular needs and preferences.
Jean Wyman, left, is clinical
director, and Melinda Monigold is
a clinician at MCA.
NEW SYNERGY OF PRACTICE, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
“Many of our school’s nurse scientists are known internationally as clinical experts in
particular health conditions,” says School of Nursing Dean Connie Delaney. “Our continence
clinic begins to channel that expertise into high quality health care for our own community.”
Delaney says the establishment of the clinic signals a new synergy at the School. “We
already had research and education, and the clinic completes the circle. It means nursing
research, education and practice will come together in new ways that strengthen all three
and produce breakthroughs in health care. This particular synergy is unique in Minnesota.”
MCA is also available to help long-term care facilities in the Twin Cities metro area meet
new federal (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) guidelines on urinary incontinence.
For more information, go to MCA’s Web site: www.nursing.umn.edu/ContinenceClinic.
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