CONTINENCE ASSOCIATION of South Africa

The Continence Association of South Africa or CASA, was launched on the 29th of July 2000, at the Carstenhof Clinic in Midrand, Johannesburg.  The Association, which is a non-profit organization, is dedicated to the education, advocacy and support of the public and medical profession about the cause, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of incontinence, thereby improving the quality of life of people with incontinence.

WHY WAS CASA ESTABLISHED?

Many incontinent patients feel too embarrassed to seek professional advice, preferring to become socially isolated and withdraw from society.  Incontinence has considerable physical, psychological, social and financial implications for the individual and has a major impact upon health services.  In South Africa, there has been a lack of incontinence information available to the general public.  CASA was therefore established to focus on the interests and needs of the patient suffering from incontinence, thereby seeking to minimize the stigma associated with incontinence.

WHO IS INVOLVED IN CASA?

CASA was formed by a group of health care professionals in partnership with several medical and pharmaceutical companies involved in the provision of incontinence related products.  Membership is open to all medical professionals involved in the management of incontinence including Urologists, Surgeons, Gynaecologists, Paediatricians, General Practitioners, Physiotherapists, and Nursing Practitioners.  Any person suffering from incontinence or with a special interest in incontinence can also become a member.

WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF CASA? 

The Continence Association of South Africa aims to guide those who provide treatment for incontinence, enlighten sufferers about what they can expect from healthcare, as well as promote clearly defined standards of diagnosis and management of incontinence Along with these aims, the organization has pledged to create a representative body for health professionals treating people with incontinence in South Africa, ensuring the highest ethical standards. CASA aims to, in time, develop a national network of support groups, initiate a patient outreach programme and interact with government organizations, private hospitals, industry and academic institutions.

AIMS

• To raise awareness by giving guidance to those who provide public or private services for the treatment of incontinence.
  
• To indicate what a patients' expectations should be from health services, medical staff and employers those offering public service facilities, in order to manage incontinence in privacy and dignity at and all times.
  
• To create a representative body for health professionals who treat people with incontinence in SA and who share a commitment to promote ethical standards regulating the behavior of care givers in this field.
  
• Promoting high standards of diagnosis and management of incontinence.
  
• Referrals to appropriate health care practitioners who have a special interest in the treatment of incontinence.
  
• Working towards eliminating the stigma of incontinence.

THESE AIMS TO BE REALISED THROUGH

1. CME talks to be held for all health care professionals  
2. Compiling and distribution of educational material, including brochures, pamphlets and newsletters.
   
3. Telephonic service with answering machine for recruitment of members
   
4. Registry for health care professionals
   
5. Establishing a national network of support groups as and when appropriate.
   
6. Providing information available at medical congresses through talks and displaying products.
   
7. Media outreach campaign via radio and print media.
   
8. Interaction with government organizations, private hospitals and industry
   
9. Involvement of academic institutions