Abstract:Objective To develop a checklist to standardize follow-up care for prevention of post-radical prostatectomy incontinence and to evaluate the effect of clinical application.Methods A total of 94 patients after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer were divided into a control group of 46 and an intervention group of 48 chronologically.The control group was given routine follow-up, while their counterparts in the intervention group were followed-up by using a checklist.The checklist was developed based on evidence summary, semi-structured interviews with the patients to identify their follow-up needs, and expert consultation using Delphi methods to reach a consensus.The final checklist included 4 primary indicators of monitoring and assessment of incontinence, management and health education, information support, and self-management, 10 secondary indicators and 46 tertiary indicators.The incidence and severity of incontinence, quality of life and coping efficacy at 1 and 3 months after removal of urinary catheter were compared between the two groups.Results The coping efficacy score in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 1 month after removal of urinary catheter (P<0.05).The incidence and severity of urinary incontinence were significantly lower, whereas the scores of quality of life and coping efficacy were significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the control group at 3 months after removal of urinary catheter (all P<0.05).Conclusion The follow-up checklist facilitates a standardized approach for health care providers to prevent urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy, thus to reduce the incidence of urinary incontinence, attenuate symptoms, and improve quality of life and coping efficacy of patients who have developed urinary incontinence.