Background: urinary incontinence (UI) after stroke is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The UK National Sentinel Audits of Stroke have collected data on UI which has not previously been reported.

Methods: data on standards relating to both organisations and process of care were extracted from the audits to look for trends in service provision, continence care planning and discharge destination of incontinent versus continent stroke survivors. In addition, 2004 data was analysed statistically to look for a link between stroke units meeting certain standards and the likelihood of patients having continence plans.

Results: UI rates have changed little over the four audit cycles. The influence of UI on discharge destination has also altered little. Stroke unit care is more strongly associated with management planning for UI in stroke.