A Scoping Literature Review on Patient Education in Intermittent Catheterization.

PURPOSE: To summarize evidence related to (1) research studies examining patient/caregiver educational interventions related to intermittent self/caregiver catheterization (ISC), (2) studies examining issues related to teaching ISC, and (3) evidence-based clinical practice guidelines addressing ISC. PROBLEM: Avoiding lower urinary tract trauma during catheter insertion, adequate frequency of catheterization, and complete emptying of the bladder are essential to prevent and reduce complications associated with ISC. Consequently, proper patient/caregiver education is essential to achieving good outcomes. METHODS: Scoping review of literature. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases, and the reference lists of background and included studies for quantitative and qualitative research studies and professional and healthcare organization-generated evidence-based clinical practice guidelines published between 2005 and September 2021. Eleven studies and 2 clinical practice guidelines met our eligibility criteria and are included in the review. FINDINGS: Research conducted in the United States examining the effectiveness of educational interventions for patients needing ongoing ISC is extremely limited. The single study identified was a small pilot feasibility study. Eight studies examining issues potentially related to patient/caregiver ISC education were identified, suggesting that catheter characteristics, patient barriers, and complications, particularly urinary tract infections, adherence, and upper extremity function, are important considerations when developing education interventions. The small number of studies and limitations in the methodologies limit the current evidence base to support patient/caregiver education about ISC. We also identified 2 evidence-based guidelines generated by European professional organizations that included recommendations related to ISC education. CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is needed to support the development of patient/caregiver educational interventions and to examine their effectiveness.

Patient Education in Intermittent Catheterization: A Consensus Conference.

Despite recent advances in intermittent catheter features, evidence guiding how to best educate patients when beginning and continuing a program of intermittent catheterization remains sparse. To address this gap and guide best practice, a scoping review was conducted and a consensus panel of clinicians and researchers with expertise in intermittent catheterization was convened in person during December 2022 in Austin, Texas, to develop evidence and consensus-based statements guiding instruction of patients beginning intermittent self or assisted catheterization. This article describes the 15 consensus-based statements that can be used to guide best practice in patient education on intermittent catheterization.

Moisture-Associated Skin Damage: Expanding Practice Based on the Newest ICD-10-CM Codes for Irritant Contact Dermatitis Associated With Digestive Secretions and Fecal or Urinary Effluent From an Abdominal Stoma or Enterocutaneous Fistula.

Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) occurs when skin is repeatedly exposed to various sources of bodily secretions or effluents, often leading to irritant contact dermatitis, characterized by inflammation with or without denudation of affected skin. In 2020, the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society commissioned an initiative that led to the addition of multiple International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes (ICD-10-CM) for irritant contact dermatitis caused by various forms of MASD for use in the United States. In a recent issue of the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, a clinical practice alert identifying the various new codes was published that summarized each of the new codes and provided highlights of the descriptions for each of these codes. This is the second in a series of 2 follow-up articles providing a more detailed description of the MASD conditions to which the newest irritant contact dermatitis ICD-10-CM codes apply. Specifically, this article reviews the clinical manifestations and assessment, pathophysiology, epidemiology, prevention, and management of irritant contact dermatitis associated with digestive secretions from a stoma or fistula, and fecal or urinary effluent from an abdominal stoma or enterocutaneous fistula.

Moisture-Associated Skin Damage: Expanding and Updating Practice Based on the Newest ICD-10-CM Codes.

Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) occurs when skin is repeatedly exposed to various sources of bodily secretions or effluents, often leading to irritant contact dermatitis with inflammation, with or without denudation of affected skin. In 2020, the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society took an initiative that led to the addition of multiple International Classification for Diseases codes for irritant contract dermatitis caused by various forms of MASD for use in the United States (ICD-10-CM). In the last issue of the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, a clinical practice alert identifying the various new codes was published that summarized each of the new codes and provided highlights of the descriptions of each of the these codes. This is the first in a series of 2 articles providing a more detailed description of the newest irritant contact dermatitis codes linked to MASD. Specifically, this article reviews the clinical manifestations and assessment, pathophysiology, epidemiology, prevention, and management of irritant contact dermatitis due to saliva, respiratory secretions, and fecal or urinary incontinence.

Compression for Lower Extremity Venous Disease and Lymphedema (CLEVDAL): Update of the VLU Algorithm.

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society charged a task force with updating the venous leg ulcer (VLU) algorithm to include the addition of lymphedema with the new title of "Compression for Lower Extremity Venous Disease and Lymphedema (CLEVDAL)." As part of the process, the task force was charged to develop consensus-based statements to serve as clinical guidance related to CLEVDAL. The 3-member task force assisted by a moderator completed a scoping literature review to identify recommendations supported by research to qualify as evidence-based and to identify areas where guidance is needed to provide CLEVDAL. Based on the findings of the scoping review, the WOCN Society convened a panel of experts to develop consensus statements to direct care for those with lower extremity venous disease and lymphedema. These consensus statements underwent a second round of content validation with a different panel of clinicians with expertise in venous disease and lymphedema management. This article reports on the scoping review and subsequent evidence-based statements, along with the generation and validation of consensus-based statements to assist clinical decision-making in the CLEVDAL algorithm.

Use of a Convex Pouching System in the Postoperative Period: A National Consensus.

Convex pouching systems have been available for ostomy patients for decades; however, controversy remains over the use of convexity in the postoperative period. A group of 10 nurses and physicians with expertise caring for patients with an ostomy completed a scoping review identifying research-based evidence and gaps in our knowledge of the safety and effectiveness related to the use of a convex pouching system following ostomy surgery. Results of this scoping review demonstrated the need for a structured consensus to define best practices when selecting a pouching system that provides a secure and reliable seal around the stoma, avoids undermining and leakage of effluent from the pouching system, and contributes to optimal health-related quality of life for patients following ostomy surgery. The expert panel reached consensus on 8 statements for the use of convex products immediately after surgery and throughout the first 6 months after stoma creation, as well as describing goals in choosing the best pouching system for the patient with an ostomy.

A Patient-Centric Tool to Facilitate Goal Attainment Scaling in Neurogenic Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Path to Individualization.

OBJECTIVES: People with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction experience diverse challenges that can be difficult to evaluate with standardized outcome measures. Goal attainment scaling (GAS) is an individualized, patient-centric outcome measure that enables patients/caregivers to identify and track their own treatment goals. Because creating goals de novo can be cumbersome, we aimed to develop a neurogenic bladder/bowel dysfunction goal menu to facilitate goal attainment scaling uptake and use. METHODS: We conducted a workshop with 6 expert clinicians to develop an initial menu. Individual interviews with 12 people living with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction and 2 clinician panels with 5 additional experts aided us in refining the menu. A thematic framework analysis identified emergent themes for analysis and reporting. RESULTS: Interview participants were adults (median = 36 years, range 25-58), most with spinal cord injury (75%; 9/12). Of 24 goals identified initially, 2 (8%) were not endorsed and were removed, and 3 goals were added. Most participants listed "Impact on Life" goals (eg, Exercise, Emotional Well-Being) among their 5 most important goals (58%; 35/60). Three main themes emerged: challenges posed by incontinence, limitations on everyday life, and need for personalized care. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a clinical outcome assessment tool following a multistep process of representative stakeholder engagement. This patient-centric tool consists of 25 goals specific to people living with neurogenic bladder and/or bowel dysfunction. Asking people what matters most to them can identify important constructs that clinicians might have overlooked.

Characteristics of Convex Skin Barriers and Clinical Application: Results of an International Consensus Panel.

Regulatory bodies do not set parameters for measuring certain ostomy product characteristics. As a result, each manufacturer has a different way of measuring specific convex skin barrier characteristics that may create confusion among clinicians when selecting a product. In order to alleviate this confusion and encourage consistency in reporting product characteristics, an international meeting of clinicians with expertise in the care of persons living with an ostomy was convened. The goal of the meeting was to define and establish consistency in convex skin barrier characteristics and their clinical application of the product based on these characteristics. Twelve nurse panelists from 11 countries reviewed, discussed, and reached consensus on a group of proposed statements designed to provide standard definitions of convex skin barrier characteristics and clinically relevant application. The group reached consensus on 5 characteristics of convex skin barriers: depth, compressibility, flexibility, slope, and tension location. These statements provide a basis for quantifying the most clinically relevant characteristics of convex skin barriers and a framework for their application in clinical practice.

Incontinence and Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in Acute Care: A Retrospective Analysis of Total Cost of Care and Patient Outcomes From the Premier Healthcare Database.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of incontinence and treatment of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) and associations with outcomes including total cost of care, length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, sacral area pressure injuries present on admission and hospital acquired pressure injuries, and progression of all sacral area pressure injuries to a higher stage. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS: Data were retrieved from the Premier Healthcare Database and comprised more than 15 million unique adult patient admissions from 937 hospitals. Patients were 18 years or older and admitted to a participating hospital between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019. METHODS: Given the absence of an IAD International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code, we categorized patients treated for IAD by selecting patients with a documented incontinence ICD-10-CM code and a documented charge for dermatology products used to treat IAD. The t test and χ2 tests determined whether incontinence and treatment for IAD were associated with outcomes. RESULTS: Incontinence prevalence was 1.5% for the entire sample; prevalence rate for IAD among incontinent patients was 0.7%. As compared to continent patients, incontinent patients had longer LOS (6.4 days versus 4.4 days), were 1.4 times more likely to be readmitted, 4.7 times more likely to have a sacral pressure injury upon admission pressure injury, 5.1 times more likely to have a sacral hospital-acquired pressure injury, and 5.8 times more likely to have a sacral pressure injury progress to a severe stage. As compared to incontinent patients without IAD treatment, those with IAD treatment had longer LOS (9.7 days versus 6.4 days), were 1.3 times more likely to be readmitted, and were 2.0 times more likely to have a sacral hospital-acquired pressure injury. Total index hospital costs were 1.2 times higher for incontinent patients and 1.3 times higher for patients with IAD treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Incontinence and IAD prevalence are substantially lower than past research due to underreporting of incontinence. The lack of an ICD-10-CM code for IAD further exacerbates the underreporting of IAD. Despite low prevalence numbers, our results show higher health care costs and worse outcomes for incontinent patients and patients with IAD treatment.

Peristomal Skin Health: A WOCN Society Consensus Conference.

The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society identified the need to define and promote peristomal skin health. A task force was appointed to complete a scoping literature review, to develop evidence-based statements to guide peristomal skin health best practices. Based on the findings of the scoping review, the Society convened a panel of experts to develop evidence- and consensus-based statements to guide care in promoting peristomal skin health. These consensus statements also underwent content validation using a different panel of clinicians having expertise in peristomal skin health. This article reports on the scoping review and subsequent 6 evidenced-based statements, along with the generation and validation of 19 consensus-based statements, to assist clinical decision-making related to promoting peristomal skin health in adults.

Usability and safety of the new 5 French air-charged catheter for performing urodynamic studies on pediatric patients.

AIMS: To assess the performance and safety of the T-DOC® 5 French air-charged urodynamic catheters in pediatric patients and obtain feedback from providers related to usability performance. METHODS: Patients ages 12 years and younger undergoing urodynamics were prospectively recruited from two institutions. The T-DOC® 5 French air-charged catheters were used. Issues with catheter placement, adverse events (AEs), and pain scores were assessed. A follow-up telephone call was made to assess for post-urodynamic AEs. Providers completed a clinical user questionnaire. Likert scale was used (1 = most negative and 5 = most positive response) and reported in mean (range). RESULTS: A total of 28 patients completed the study. The mean age was 55 months (5-130) (10 females, 18 males). One problem was noted with the insertion of an abdominal catheter, secondary to stool impaction. Catheters stayed in place on all subjects, except for one related to patient hyperactivity. There were no AEs during the studies. In total four reported post-urodynamics AEs (one hematochezia, three dysuria). Among nine patients, pain level on the bladder and abdominal insertion was 3.6/10 (0-10) and 3.1/10 (0-10). Five providers completed the questionnaire. The overall ease of use was rated 4.3/5 (3-5). The ease of insertion was 4.1/5 (2-5) and set-up/clean-up time was 4.4/5 (3-5). Tracing stability, subtraction accuracy, and artifact sensitivity were all perceived favorably (respectively 4.8/5 [4-5], 4.6/5 [4-5], and 4.4/5 [4-5]). CONCLUSIONS: The T-DOC® 5 French air-charged catheter was considered safe and effective in pediatric patients. No AEs occurred during the studies. Providers, using the catheters, reported favorably on catheter usage.

Interventions Post Catheter Removal (iPCaRe) in the Acute Care Setting: An Evidence- and Consensus-Based Algorithm.

Despite advances in the prevention of catheter-acquired urinary tract infections achieved by programs that include removal of the indwelling urinary catheter at the earliest possible time, evidence guiding bladder and incontinence management strategies following discontinuation of a catheter is sparse. To address this gap and guide best practice, the WOCN Society appointed a Task Force to develop an evidence- and consensus-based algorithm guiding clinical decision-making for effective bladder and incontinence management strategies after indwelling urinary catheter removal. This article describes the design and development of the algorithm, consensus-based statements used to guide best practice in this area, and its content validation.

Current Evidence Related to Intermittent Catheterization: A Scoping Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to summarize evidence related to adherence to intermittent catheterization (IC), complication rates, satisfaction with IC, and its effect on health-related quality of life. PROBLEM: Intermittent catheterization is frequently used to manage lower urinary tract dysfunctions including urinary retention and urinary incontinence, but research suggests that care for patients using IC may not always be based on evidence. METHODS: Scoping review. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL databases, and the Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews to identify studies published between January 2009 and March 2019. Seventy studies met inclusion criteria and were evaluated for adherence, complication rates, satisfaction, and health-related quality in adults and children using IC for bladder management. FINDINGS: Recent research was variable in both quantity and quality. The evidence suggests that (1) most patients can successfully master IC and that functional status is likely the most important predictor of success; (2) adherence to IC probably decreases over time; (3) urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common complication of IC and that prophylactic antibiotic therapy may reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs; (4) urinary incontinence is also a common complication; and (5) other complications such as urethral strictures, bladder stones, hematuria, and urethral false passage do occur but are less prevalent than UTIs and incontinence between catheterizations. Our review also revealed multiple gaps in the evidence to support care for patients using IC. CONCLUSIONS: Research priorities include a need for prospective studies of the epidemiology and risk factors for IC-related complications, along with intervention studies to determine how to improve outcomes for patients using IC to manage bladder function.

Nursing Practice Related to Intermittent Catheterization: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe nursing practice and clinical decision-making related to intermittent catheterization (IC). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Three hundred forty-three nurses responded to the survey, yielding a margin of error of 5.3%. The majority (70%; n = 240) indicated they were RNs, and 15.6% stated they practiced as advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists). Most (75.9%; n = 260) held at least one certification in rehabilitation, WOC, or urologic nursing. Most nurses (70.5%; n = 242) indicated 11 or more years of experience in their specialty practice. METHODS: Data were collected via an electronic questionnaire that comprised 50 items and required 35 to 40 minutes to complete. Ten items queried demographic data and professional background, 13 queried facility policies and practice patterns related to use of IC, and 27 focused on various aspects of decision making regarding IC practice including 8 items related to catheter selection in 4 case scenarios. The questionnaire was completed online after viewing a written explanation of the purpose of the survey. Completion of the questionnaire acted as consent to study participation. RESULTS: All respondents indicated regularly teaching IC within their practice, and 61.2% (n = 210) stated they were confident that 70% or more of patients or caregivers understood the instructions. However, responses varied considerably when asked who they involved in IC education; less than half (48.1%; n = 165) responded that they included a lay caregiver or family member when teaching a patient to perform IC. Responses also varied when asked about who was included in this education; when asked about catheter selection in 4 clinical scenarios, 9.0% to 20.9% selected inappropriate catheters. Similarly, responses varied when they were asked about use of resources to guide IC practice; 25.4% (n = 87) indicated they relied on their own best practice. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from 343 nurses experienced in IC teaching showed considerable variability when asked about sources used to guide IC practice, who should be included in IC education, and catheter selection in 4 case scenarios. Additional research and evidence, and consensus-based resources such as clinical guidelines of a decision-making algorithm, are needed.

Time of Onset to Changes in Skin Condition During Exposure to Synthetic Urine: A Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of incontinence on epithelial-moisture barrier function and the subsequent risk for incontinence-associated dermatitis by exposing healthy volunteers to a premium incontinence pad wet with synthetic urine. DESIGN: Prospective, single-group study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Thirty women 65 years or older participated in the study. Participants had healthy skin of the buttocks, perineal, and perigenital areas and were not incontinent of urine or stool. The study was conducted at a contracted clinical research facility in Southeastern United States. METHODS: Four hundred milliliters of synthetic urine was distributed across the width of a premium incontinence pad with wicking technology containing a superabsorbent polymer core. Participants laid supine for a total of 4 hours, with the wet pad under the buttocks. Skin assessments were conducted at baseline prior to contact with the wet pad, at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 1, 2, and 4 hours after exposure to the synthetic urine. Outcome measures were skin moisture content, cutaneous pH, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), mean coefficient of friction values (static and dynamic), and tolerability evaluations (expert clinical grader-assessed erythema and participant-assessed discomfort). RESULTS: Mean moisture content of the skin increased from 46.19 ± 22.1 to 1845.28 ± 542.7 micro-Siemens (µS) after just 15 minutes of exposure and was significantly increased at all time points compared to baseline (P < .001). Cutaneous pH increased from 5.67 ± 0.5 to 6.25 ± 0.1 after 15 minutes; pH was higher at all time points compared to baseline (P < .001). Passive transfer of water through the stratum corneum (TEWL) showed an increase from 9.02 ± 2.2 g/m/h at baseline to 16.83 ± 5.2 g/m/h at 4 hours (P < .001). There was a significant increase from baseline to 4 hours in mean coefficient of static friction (0.32 ± 0.01 vs 0.47 ± 0.03; P < .00001) as well as mean coefficient of dynamic friction (0.29 ± 0.01 vs 0.42 ± 0.02; P < .00001). There was a significant increase in erythema and an increase in participant-assessed discomfort at all time points (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that impairment of the skin's epithelial-moisture barrier function associated with inflammation and development of incontinence-associated dermatitis begins rapidly after an incontinence event, even with the use of a premium pad with wicking technology. Study findings also suggest that prompt attention to incontinence events is needed to prevent moisture-associated skin damage (incontinence-associated dermatitis) even when absorbent pads are used.

Peristomal Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injury: Results of an International Consensus Meeting.

Stomal and peristomal skin complications (PSCs) are prevalent in persons living with an ostomy; more than 80% of individuals with an ostomy will experience a stomal or peristomal complication within 2 years of ostomy surgery. Peristomal skin problems are especially prevalent, and a growing body of evidence indicates that they are associated with clinically relevant impairments in physical function, multiple components of health-related quality of life, and higher costs. Several mechanisms are strongly linked to PSCs including medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs). Peristomal MARSIs are defined as erythema, epidermal stripping or skin tears, erosion, bulla, or vesicle observed after removal of an adhesive ostomy pouching system. A working group of 3 clinicians with knowledge of peristomal skin health completed a scoping review that revealed a significant paucity of evidence regarding the epidemiology and management of peristomal MARSIs. As a result, an international panel of experts in ostomy care and peristomal MARSIs was convened that used a formal process to generate consensus-based statements providing guidance concerning the assessment, prevention, and treatment of peristomal MARSIs. This article summarizes the results of the scoping review and the 21 consensus-based statements used to guide assessment, prevention, and treatment of peristomal MARSIs, along with recommendations for research priorities.