Implementing a systematic voiding program for patients with urinary incontinence after stroke

We explored health professionals’ views of implementing a systematic voiding program (SVP) in a multi-site qualitative process evaluation in stroke services recruited to the intervention arms of a cluster randomized controlled feasibility trial during 2011-13. We conducted semistructured group or individual interviews with 38 purposively selected nursing, managerial and care staff involved in delivering the SVP. Content analysis of transcripts used normalization process theory as a pre-specified organization-level exploratory framework. Barriers to implementing the SVP included perceived lack of suitability for some patient groups; patient fear of extending hospital stay; and difficulties with SVP enactment, scheduling, timing, recording, and monitoring. Enablers included the guidance provided by the SVP; patient and relative involvement; extra staff; improved nursing skill and confidence; and experience of success. Three potential mechanisms of consistency, visibility, and individualization linked the SVP process with improvements in outcome, and should be emphasised in SVP implementation.