Until now, no single recording system for urinary incontinence has found widespread acceptance. The Queen Elizabeth Graphical Assessment for Urinary Incontinence has been developed to display the pattern of voiding on an hourly basis over a four day period. Colour coding of the chart indicates clearly whether the patient is incontinent, continent or able to remain continent with the help of staff or carers. The system can be used in the initial assessment of urinary incontinence and also in monitoring progress in any subsequent treatment interventions. In established urinary incontinence in the nursing home setting, the chart has been used in the documentation for Resident Classification Instrument ratings. The format is simple to use and can be applied to hospital, residential care and home settings.