Who can perform a continence assessment in Australia?
- Jul 18
- 5 min read
If you have been told you need a continence assessment, one of the first questions is usually a practical one: who actually does it? Here is a clear answer.
A continence assessment in Australia is usually carried out by a continence nurse — a registered nurse with specialist training in bladder and bowel health. A GP can review your symptoms and refer you, and a continence physiotherapist or occupational therapist may also be involved. For a full assessment with a written report and product recommendations, a continence nurse is the professional you are most likely to see.
Who can perform a continence assessment?
Several health professionals work in continence care, and it can be confusing to know which one you need. In practice, most people will see one of the following.
A Continence nurse. This is the most common answer. A continence nurse is a registered nurse who has completed additional, specialist training in bladder and bowel health. They are qualified to carry out a full continence assessment, prepare a detailed written report, and recommend supports, therapies and products suited to you.
A GP. Your GP is often the first person you speak to. They can review your symptoms, check for underlying medical causes, arrange tests, and refer you on for a specialist continence assessment. A GP consultation and a continence assessment are not the same thing — but the first often leads to the second.
A continence physiotherapist. Sometimes called a pelvic floor physiotherapist, they assess and treat the muscles that support bladder and bowel control. They are particularly relevant where pelvic floor weakness is a factor, such as after childbirth or prostate surgery.
An occupational therapist. An OT may be involved where the challenge is less about the bladder itself and more about access — for example, getting to the toilet safely, or managing clothing and equipment at home.
You do not need to work out which one you need on your own. If you are unsure, starting with a continence nurse or your GP is always reasonable.
Can a registered nurse do a continence assessment?
Yes, but with an important distinction.
Any registered nurse works within their scope of practice and level of training. A continence nurse is a registered nurse who has undertaken specific postgraduate education in continence care. That additional training is what qualifies them to complete a comprehensive continence assessment, interpret the findings, and build a management plan around them.
So the honest answer is: a registered nurse with continence qualifications and experience can perform a continence assessment. A registered nurse without that specialist background generally would not.
When you are arranging an assessment, it is entirely reasonable to ask what continence-specific qualifications and experience the nurse holds. A good provider will be glad you asked.
Can a GP do a continence assessment?
A GP plays an important role, but it is usually a different role.
Your GP can:
listen to your symptoms and take a history
check for medical causes, such as infection, medication side effects or other conditions
arrange tests where needed
refer you for a specialist continence assessment
support you through treatment
What a GP consultation typically does not include is the full continence assessment itself — the detailed review of bladder and bowel patterns, the written report, and the tailored recommendations for products, therapies and supports. That is the work of a continence nurse.
Think of it this way: your GP helps you understand whether something needs attention. A continence assessment establishes what will help, and how.
What does a continence assessment actually involve?
A continence assessment is a structured conversation, not an examination to be nervous about.
Your continence nurse will ask about your goals — what you want to be able to do again, or do more comfortably. They will take a full history and ask about your bladder and bowel patterns, your fluid and food intake, your medications, other medical conditions, and how you manage day to day.
From that, they build a picture of what is actually happening and why — and what will genuinely help.
You can read the full list of questions asked, and how assessments are carried out, on our continence assessments page.
Who performs continence assessments at McQuel Healthcare Continence Solutions?
Continence assessments at McQuel Healthcare Continence Solutions are carried out by our experienced continence nurse.
Your assessment includes a consultation to understand your goals and history, a comprehensive written report with recommendations covering therapies, products and supports, and — where helpful — assistance setting up accounts with appropriate continence aids suppliers.
We offer assessments face-to-face, and by telehealth and phone consultation. Our telehealth and phone assessments are available anywhere in Australia, so you are not limited by where you live.
How do I arrange a continence assessment?
You do not need to have everything worked out before you get in touch. If you are noticing changes, or you are supporting someone who is, that is reason enough to ask.
You can complete our referral form and our team will be in touch to arrange the next steps, or contact us if you would prefer to talk it through first.
Assessments may be funded through the NDIS, a Home Care Package, CAPS or other state-based funding. You can read more about the options on our funding supports page.
Frequently asked questions
Who can complete a continence assessment in Australia? A continence assessment is usually completed by a continence nurse — a registered nurse with specialist training in bladder and bowel health. A GP can assess symptoms and refer you, and a continence physiotherapist or occupational therapist may also be involved depending on your needs.
Can an RN do a continence assessment? A registered nurse with specialist continence training and experience can perform a continence assessment. A registered nurse without that specific background generally would not carry out a comprehensive assessment.
Can a GP do a continence assessment? A GP can review your symptoms, check for medical causes and refer you for a continence assessment, but the full assessment — including the detailed report and recommendations — is generally carried out by a continence nurse.
What is the role of a nurse in continence care? A continence nurse assesses bladder and bowel health, identifies causes and contributing factors, prepares a management plan, recommends suitable products and supports, and provides education to the person and their carers.
Do I need a referral for a continence assessment? You do not need a GP referral to arrange a continence assessment with McQuel Healthcare Continence Solutions. You can complete our referral form directly, or contact us to talk it through.
Living with bladder or bowel concerns is far more common than most people realise — and it is not something you have to manage alone. If you or someone you care for would benefit from support, we are here.
Need support? Get in touch with our team.
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