A Cost Analysis of Icon Reusable Underwear Versus Disposable Pads for Mild to Moderate Urinary Incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform a cost analysis assessing the economic feasibility of reusable underwear as alternative for disposable pads for women with mild to moderate urinary incontinence. METHODS: A consumer-perspective cost analysis was performed with the following assumptions: (1) consumers have mild to moderate urinary incontinence and use 2 pads per day (PPD); (2) consumers have a 2-week supply of underwear; (3) there is no difference in laundering cost between 2 incontinence options; (4) there is no difference in use of labor/other accessories of care; (5) there is no difference in skin complaints/associated cost; (6) cost of products are nonfluctuant with time; and (7) all incontinence products were purchased online. Sensitivity analyses were performed varying the longevity of underwear, price of regular underwear, price of pads, pads used per day, and shipping and handling. RESULTS: The total cost of disposable pads with regular underwear was US $392.40, whereas the cost of Icon underwear was US $380.80 over the course of 2 years. Icon costs less than using regular underwear with disposable pads as long as the cost of the regular underwear is at least US $2.17. Icon is economically inferior if the cost per pad is US $0.15 when using 3 PPD or if the cost per pad is US $0.24 when using less than 2 PPD. CONCLUSIONS: Reusable incontinence underwear can be an economically feasible alternative to disposable pads for light to moderate urinary incontinence after 2 years of use assuming underwear has a 2-year longevity and the consumer is using 2 PPD with regular underwear.

A Diaper Pad for Diaper-Based Urine Collection and Colorimetric Screening of Urinary Biomarkers.

The high prevalence of urinary tract infection in aging adults is a challenging aspect of geriatric care. Incontinence and cognitive/functional impairment make collection of urine samples difficult and often require either catheterization for sample collection, which is a risk factor for infections, or more lenient criteria for initiating antibiotic treatment. We report the development of a diaper inlay with absorbent materials, superabsorbent polymer-based valve and chemical reaction pads for rapid screening of urinary tract infection of incontinent diaper-wearing elderly receivers of home care services. The developed diaper inlay was capable of collecting, isolating, analyzing samples and retaining results > 8 h. The diaper inlay can therefore be compatible with the diaper changing routines of nurses in home care services, without requiring much time or effort. A nurse can insert a diaper inlay in a diaper and the results can be recorded during a later diaper change. Although the research focuses on tools for home care services, the nursing home sector has similar problems and may benefit from technological development for rapid screening to avoid unnecessary catheterization and overuse of antibiotics.

Incontinência urinária e fecal: estudo sobre o uso de fraldas e insumos auxiliares / Fecal and urinary incontinence: study on the use of diapers and auxiliary products / Incontinencia fecal y incontinencia urinaria: estudio acerca de la utilización de pañales y productos auxiliares

TECNOLOGIA: Fraldas geriátricas e insumos auxiliares. INDICAÇÃO: Incontinência urinária e fecal. CARACTERIZAÇÃO DAS TECNOLOGIAS: Fralda geriátrica é um produto de higiene íntima usado por adultos, principalmente idosos, que não têm (ou perderam) o controle de suas necessidades fisiológicas. Insumos auxiliares são preparações utilizadas para prevenção e/ou tratamento de problemas decorrentes do uso das fraldas. PERGUNTA: Quais as indicações de uso de fraldas geriátricas e insumos auxiliares, quais são as alternativas terapêuticas a esses produtos e qual é o custo estimado da sua utilização crônica em comparação com alternativas terapêuticas disponibilizadas no SUS? Métodos: As indicações de uso das fraldas geriátricas, bem como de outras alternativas para o controle/tratamento das incontinências foram encontradas em busca na literatura científica e em guias de tratamento nacionais e estrangeiros. Para se ter uma noção do gasto público atual com fraldas geriátricas os preços desses produtos foram levantados de acordo com dados do Banco de preços em Saúde. Também foram pesquisados os preços de fraldas em 57 sítios eletrônicos de farmácias e drogarias, além de sites de compras coletivas e o Sistema de Atendimento ao Consumidor (SAC) dos fabricantes. Os tipos e preços dos insumos auxiliares foram pesquisados em três grandes redes de drogarias privadas, das quais uma está presente apenas no Estado de Minas Gerais. Além disso, como forma de contemplar aqueles produtos mais judicializados foram pesquisados os principais insumos auxiliares solicitados no JusBrasil. RESULTADOS: O gasto do SUS com procedimentos cirúrgicos e fisioterápicos é bem menor que o próprio subsídio dado à compra de fraldas geriátricas no programa "Aqui tem Farmácia Popular" e, portanto, deveriam ser recomendados com maior frequência, dependendo da condição de incontinência de cada indivíduo. Nesse parecer, constatou-se a necessidade do uso de produtos de barreira e hidratantes na prevenção e cuidado de dermatites e úlceras associadas à condição de incontinência, evidenciando a necessidade de maior financiamento por parte do SUS para garantir acesso a cremes, pomadas e loções (preventivas e/ou curativas), os quais, pela análise aqui conduzida, são bastante onerosos para o paciente. De acordo com os dados levantados nesse parecer, os valores estimados de gasto individual anual com fraldas geriátricas foram de R$1.674,04; R$1.827,81; R$1.439,31; e R$1.123,72, respectivamente para as fraldas tamanho extragrande, grande, médio e pequeno. Os produtos considerados auxiliares foram cremes, loções, pomadas, óleos e pastas, com propriedades oclusivas, hidratantes e de restauração da pele afetada por assaduras, decorrentes do uso de fraldas geriátricas. O gasto médio anual com insumos auxiliares foi estimado em R$2.255,78. Como alternativas terapêuticas foram consideradas a terapia medicamentosa, fisioterapia e procedimentos cirúrgicos, de acordo com levantamento bibliográfico e guias de tratamento da incontinência nacionais e estrangeiros. Os principais medicamentos foram a oxibutinina, tolterodina, darifenacina e toxina botulínica, os quais apresentaram valores estimados de custo anual médio de R$988,20; R$4.355,05; R$4.322,40; e R$3.979,14, respectivamente. Os procedimentos cirúrgicos ofertados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde foram pesquisados no SIGTAP (Sistema de Gerenciamento da Tabela de Procedimentos, Medicamentos e OPM do SUS) e apresentaram valores de ressarcimento que variaram de R$372,54 a R$457,67. De acordo com o SIGTAP o preço da sessão de fisioterapia para fins de controle da incontinência é R$4,67, sendo recomendadas 20 sessões por semana. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Observou-se que a estimativa de gasto médio de pacientes com uso de fraldas e insumos auxiliares para o cuidado e tratamento das incontinências é elevado, podendo atingir R$2.255,78 por ano. O uso de fralda será necessário em caso de incontinência fecal e condicional no caso de incontinência urinária (IU). Na IU, o uso de fralda irá depender do tipo e gravidade da incontinência, estado físico e funcional da pessoa e se foram utilizadas opções de tratamento (reeducação, ingestão controlada de líquidos, fisioterapia, terapia ocupacional, medicamentos e cirurgias). De acordo com as evidências levantadas por esse PTC, parece haver uma subutilização de terapia medicamentosa, da fisioterapia e de procedimentos cirúrgicos e uma superutilização de fraldas geriátricas, as quais podem, em caso de uso desnecessário, contribuir para manter ou instituir a incontinência. De toda forma o SUS ainda não dispensa medicamentos recomendados para IU, insumos auxiliares ao tratamento e o valor do subsídio econômico fornecido aos pacientes é insuficiente para cobrir os gastos com as incontinências, nas situações onde o uso da fralda está adequadamente recomendado.(AU)

TECHNOLOGY: Adult diapers and auxiliary inputs. INDICATION: Urinary and fecal incontinence. TECHNOLOGY CHARACTERIZATION: Geriatric diaper is a hygiene product used by adults, especially the elderly, who do not have (or lost) control of your physiological needs. Auxiliary products are preparations and equipment used for prevention and / or treatment of problems emerging from the use of diapers. MAIN QUESTION: What are the indications for use of geriatric diapers and auxiliary products, which are therapeutic alternatives to these products and what is the estimated cost of its chronic use in comparison with therapeutic alternatives available through the Unified Health System (SUS ­ Sistema Único de Saúde)? METHODS: Indications for use of adult diapers, as well as other alternatives for the control / treatment of incontinence were found after search of scientific literature and national and international treatment guidelines. To get a sense of current public spending on adult diapers the prices of these products were raised in accordance with the Health price Bank. Also diaper prices were surveyed in 57 electronic sites of pharmacies and sites of collective shopping and the System of Customer Service of the manufacturers. The types and prices of auxiliary products were surveyed in three major networks of private drugstores, one of which is present only in the state of Minas Gerais. Furthermore, most solicited auxiliary products where searched in JusBrasil website. RESULTS: SUS spends with surgical and physical therapy procedures is much less than own subsidy given to the purchase of diapers in the program "Aqui tem farmácia popular" and therefore should be recommended more often, depending of each individual incontinence condition. Thus, there is the need for the use of barrier products and moisturizers in the prevention and care of dermatitis and ulcers associated with incontinence condition, highlighting the need for greater financial effort by the SUS in ensuring access to creams, ointments and lotions (preventive and / or curative), which, by the analysis undertaken here, are quite costly to the patient. According to our data, the estimated annual individual expenditure values with adult diapers were R$ 1674.04 ± 722.89; R$ 1827.81 ± 1179.24; R$ 1439.31 ± 724.88; and 1123.72 ± 521.21 respectively for the extra-large, large, medium and small size diapers. Auxiliary products are creams, lotions, ointments, oils and pastes, with occlusive properties, moisturizing and restoring the skin affected by diaper rash. Antifungal creams such as nystatin, were also classified as an auxiliary product. The estimated average annual expenditure on auxiliary products was R$ 2255.78 ± 3096.36. According to literature, national and foreign incontinence guides, drug therapy, physical therapy and surgical procedures were considered therapeutic alternatives. The main drugs are oxybutynin, tolterodine, darifenacin and botulinum toxin, which showed estimated annual average cost of R$ 988.20; R$ 4,355.05; R$ 4,322.40; and 3979.14, respectively. Surgical procedures offered by the Brazilian Public Health system were surveyed in SIGTAP (Management System of SUS Procedures) and had compensation values ranging from R$ 372.54 to R$ 457.67. According to the SIGTAP, the price of a single physiotherapy procedure for incontinence control purposes is R$ 4.67; the recommended are 20 sessions per week. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that the average spending estimation patients using diapers and auxiliary inputs for the care and treatment of incontinence is high, reaching R $ 2255.78 per year. The diaper use will be necessary in case of fecal incontinence and conditional in the case of urinary incontinence (UI). UI, use diaper will depend on the type and severity of incontinence, physical and functional condition of the person and were used treatment options (reeducation, controlled fluid intake, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication and surgery). According to the evidence raised by this PTC, there seems to be an underspend of drug therapy, physical therapy and surgical procedures and overuse of adult diapers, which can, in case of unnecessary use, contribute to maintain or establish incontinence. Anyway SUS does not dispense drugs recommended for UI and auxiliary products to the treatment; moreover the value of the subsidy provided to patients is insufficient to cover the costs of the incontinences, in situations where the use of the diaper is properly recommended. (AU)

TECNOLOGÍA: Pañales geriátricos y entradas auxiliares. INDICACIÓN: Incontinencia urinaria y fecal. CARACTERIZACIÓN DEL TECNOLOGÍA: Pañal geriátrica es un producto de higiene íntima utilizado por adultos, especialmente los ancianos, que no tienen (o han perdido) el control de sus necesidades fisiológicas. Productos auxiliares son preparaciones utilizadas para la prevención y / o tratamiento de los problemas derivados del uso de los pañales. PREGUNTA: ¿Cuáles son las indicaciones para el uso de los pañales geriátricos y de los productos auxiliares, que son las alternativas terapéuticas para estos productos y cuál es el costo estimado de su uso crónico en comparación con las alternativas terapéuticas disponibles en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS ­ Sistema Único de Saúde)? MÉTODOS: Las indicaciones de uso de pañales para adultos, así como otras alternativas para el control / tratamiento de la incontinencia se encontraron en la búsqueda de la literatura científica y directrices nacionales e internacionales de tratamiento. Los precios de pañales se buscaron en el Banco de los Precios en Salud de Brasil, para tener una idea del actual gasto público en pañales para adultos. Además, los precios de pañales fueron encuestados en 57 sitios electrónicos de las farmacias y droguerías, así como los sitios de compra en grupo y el Servicio de Atención al Consumidor (SAC) de los fabricantes. Los tipos y precios de productos auxiliares fueron encuestados en tres grandes redes de farmacias privadas, en el que uno se encuentra sólo en el Estado de Minas Gerais. Además, a fin de contemplar aquellos principales productos demandados en los tribunales, los productos auxiliares se buscaran en sitio electrónico JusBrasil. RESULTADOS: El gasto del SUS con procedimientos quirúrgicos y de terapia física es mucho menos que la propia subvención dada a la compra de pañales en el programa "Aqui tem Farmácia Popular" y por lo tanto se debe recomendar más veces, dependiendo de la condición de incontinencia individual. En este estudio, se constató la necesidad de la utilización de productos de barrera y humectantes en la prevención y cuidado de la dermatitis y úlceras asociadas con la condición de pañales, destacando la necesidad de mayor esfuerzo financiero por el SUS en garantizar el acceso a cremas, ungüentos y lociones (preventivo y / o curativo), que, por la análisis hecha aquí, son bastante costosos para el paciente. De acuerdo con los datos recogidos, los valores estimados anuales de gastos individuales con pañales para adultos fueron de R$ 1.674,04 ± 722,89; R$ 1827,81 ± 1179,24; R$ 1.439,31 ± 724,88; y R$ 1.123,72 ± 521,21, respectivamente, para los pañales extra grandes, grandes, medianas y pequeños. Productos considerados auxiliares son cremas, lociones, ungüentos, aceites y pastas, con propiedades oclusivas, hidratante y de restauración de la piel afectada por la utilización del pañal. El gasto estimado medio anual con productos auxiliares fue de R$ 2.255,78 ± 3.096,36. Se consideraron alternativas terapéuticas la terapia con medicamentos, fisioterapia y procedimientos quirúrgicos, de acuerdo con la literatura y las guías nacionales y extranjeras para la incontinencia. Los principales fármacos son oxibutinina, tolterodina, darifenacina y la toxina botulínica, que mostraron coste estimado medio anual de R$ 988,20; R$ 4,355.05; R$ 4,322.40; y R$ 3.979,14, respectivamente. Los procedimientos quirúrgicos ofrecidos por el Sistema Único de Salud fueron buscados en SIGTAP (tabla de Procedimientos del SUS) y tenían valores de compensación que van desde R$ 372,54 a R $ 457,67. Según el SIGTAP, el precio de la sesión de fisioterapia para el control de la incontinencia es de R $ 4,67; son recomendadas 20 sesiones por semana. CONSIDERACIONES FINALES: Se observó que el gasto promedio estimado de los pacientes utilizando pañales y productos auxiliares para el cuidado y tratamiento de la incontinencia es alta, alcanzando R $ 2.255,78 por año. El uso del pañal será necesario en el caso de la incontinencia fecal y condicional en el caso de la incontinencia urinaria (UI). En la UI, el uso de pañales dependerá del tipo y la gravedad de la incontinencia y de la condición física y funcional de la persona y se fueron utilizadas opciones de tratamiento (reeducación, la ingestión controlada de líquidos, fisioterapia, terapia ocupacional, medicamentos y cirugía). De acuerdo con las evidencias de este PTC, parece que hay una infrautilización del tratamiento farmacológico, fisioterapia y los procedimientos quirúrgicos y el uso excesivo de pañales para adultos, que pueden, en caso de uso innecesario, contribuir a mantener o establecer la incontinencia. De todos modos SUS no dispensa fármacos recomendados para UI y productos auxiliares para el tratamiento, además el valor del subsidio económico prestado a los pacientes es insuficiente para cubrir los costos de las incontinencias, en situaciones donde se recomienda adecuadamente el uso del pañal.(AU)

Percepções de idosos sobre a utilização de fraldas durante a hospitalização / Nursing staffs’ perceptions of the use of adult diapers in hospital / Percepciones de ancianos acerca del uso de pañales durante la hospitalización

Trata-se de estudo descritivo, de abordagem quantiqualitativa, realizado em hospital de Niterói – RJ. Objetivou analisar a percepção de idosos sobre a utilização de fraldas durante a hospitalização. Adotou-se a entrevista semiestruturada, com itens de caracterização dos sujeitos; motivo e tempo do uso de fraldas; e questões abertas. A Escala de Depressão Geriátrica foi utilizada para avaliar as queixas afetivas. Elegeu-se 40 idosos com uso de fraldas num período igual ou superior a três dias, hospitalizados durante o período de coleta de dados, de setembro a outubro de 2011. Foram identificadas duas categorias, segundo análise de conteúdo, que indicaram aspectos de facilidades e dificuldades quanto ao uso de fraldas. Isto se configura com uma tecnologia de cuidado atrelada para às rotinas institucionais que podem contribuir diretamente para as condições de dependência e incapacidade funcional. Recomenda-se avaliar as relações dialógicas e técnicas, entre profissional e sujeito do cuidado, para atribuir critérios para utilização de fraldas durante a hospitalização.

This quantitative and qualitative descriptive study examined perceptions among older adults on the use of diapers at a hospital in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro by applying a semi-structured interview with items designed to characterize the subjects, the reason and duration of diaper use, and open questions. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess affective complaints. Forty in patient subjects were selected who had used diapers for three days or more during the data collection period from September to October 2011. Content analysis indicated two categories identifying dimensions of ease and difficulty in diaper use. Diapers figure as a care technology bound up with institutional routines, which may contribute directly to conditions of dependency and functional incapacity. It is recommended that the technical and dialogical relations between care subject and personnel be evaluated, to attribute criteria for the use of diapers in hospital.

Se trata de estudio descriptivo, de enfoque cuantitavivo y cualitativo, hecho en hospital de Niterói – RJ – Brasil, el objetivo fue analizar la percepción de ancianos sobre el uso de pañales durante la hospitalización. Se adoptó la entrevista semiestructurada, con caracterización de los sujetos; motivo y tiempo del uso de pañales; y cuestiones abiertas. La escala de depresión geriátrica fue utilizada para evaluar las quejas afectivas. La muestra fue compuesta de 40 ancianos con uso de pañales en un período igual o superior a tres días, hospitalizados durante la recolección de datos, de septiembre a octubre de 2011. Fueron identificados dos categorías, según análisis de contenido, que indicaron aspectos de facilidades y dificultades cuanto al uso de pañales. Esto se configura con una tecnología de cuidado ligada a las rutinas institucionales que pueden contribuir directamente para las condiciones de dependencia y discapacidad funcional. Se recomienda evaluar las relaciones dialógicas y técnicas, entre profesional y sujeto del cuidado, para atribuir criterios para uso de pañales durante la hospitalización.

Urinary incontinence management costs are reduced following Burch or sling surgery for stress incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to estimate the effect of Burch and fascial sling surgery on out-of-pocket urinary incontinence (UI) management costs at 24 months postoperatively and identify predictors of change in cost among women enrolled in a randomized trial comparing these procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Resources used for UI management (supplies, laundry, dry cleaning) were self-reported by 491 women at baseline and 24 months after surgery, and total out-of-pocket costs for UI management (in 2012 US dollars) were estimated. Data from the 2 surgical groups were combined to examine the change in cost for UI management over 24 months. Univariate and bivariate changes in cost were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Predictors of change in cost were examined using multivariate mixed models. RESULTS: At baseline mean (±SD) age of participants was 53 ± 10 years, and the frequency of weekly UI episodes was 23 ± 21. Weekly UI episodes decreased by 86% at 24 months (P < .001). The mean weekly cost was $16.60 ± $27.00 (median $9.39) at baseline and $4.57 ± $15.00 (median $0.10) at 24 months (P < .001), a decrease of 72%. In multivariate analyses, cost decreased by $3.38 ± $0.77 per week for each decrease of 1 UI episode per day (P < .001) and was strongly associated with greater improvement in Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire scores (P < .001) and decreased 24-hour pad weight (P < .02). CONCLUSION: Following Burch or fascial sling surgery, the UI management cost at 24 months decreased by 72% ($625 per woman per year) and was strongly associated with decreasing UI frequency. Reduced out-of-pocket expenses may be a benefit of these established urinary incontinence procedures.

Cost-benefit analysis: patient care at neurological intensive care unit.

Modern quality definition relies on patient centeredness and on patient needs for particular services, continuous control of the service provided, complete service quality management, and setting quality indicators as the health service endpoints. The health service provided to the patient has certain costs. Thus, one can ask the following: "To what extent does the increasing cost of patient care with changes in elimination improve the quality of health care and what costs are justifiable?" As stroke is the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Europe and worldwide, attention has been increasingly focused on stroke prevention and providing quality care for stroke patients. One of the most common medical/nursing problems in these patients is change in elimination, which additionally affects their mental health.

Caring for a daughter with intellectual disabilities in managing menstruation: a mother's perspective.

BACKGROUND: The concerns of mothers and their experiences while providing help to their daughters with intellectual disability (ID) and considerable support needs during menstruation have rarely been addressed. This qualitative study explored mothers' experiences and perceptions of managing their daughters' menstruation. METHOD: Twelve Taiwanese mothers of 13 daughters with ID (1 mother had twins) were interviewed to explore their experiences of providing help to their daughters with high support needs during menstruation. RESULTS: Support networks were limited and mothers developed their own strategies for managing their daughter's menstruation. Surgical hysterectomy or use of medication to cease or postpone menstrual bleeding was never considered by the mothers. The financial cost of menstrual pads and nappies was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Both an appropriate allowance for families involved in the menstrual care of women with ID and access to appropriate support are needed. More information and educational programs need to be provided to relevant professionals and carers.

The cost utility of solifenacin in the treatment of overactive bladder.

OBJECTIVES: Overactive bladder may cause significant discomfort to patients. The standard therapy for overactive bladder includes behavioural therapy and sometimes medication. Recently, a new medication (solifenacin 5 and 10 mg) was developed for treatment of overactive bladder. The objective of this study was to assess the cost utility of solifenacin 5 and 10 mg for overactive bladder. METHODS: We developed a Markov model to estimate the cost per quality adjusted life years (QALY) over a period of 12-months. Model parameters were based on randomized clinical trials for solifenacin 5 and 10 mg. Data on utility scores were taken from the literature. RESULTS: The incremental cost per QALY for solifenacin 5 mg and solifenacin 10 mg compared with placebo were 17,602 pounds and 24,464 pounds respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that these results were robust to changes of relevant input data. CONCLUSION: Solifenacin 5 and 10 mg are cost-effective treatments in patients with overactive bladder.

Accepting and adjusting: older women's experiences of living with urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe experiences of living with urinary incontinence (UI) among persons who do not desire further assessment and treatment. METHODS: This was a qualitative, descriptive interview study, and the method was phenomenological. Eleven women were interviewed; all had been in contact with a district nurse to obtain a prescription for sanitary protection. None of the women desired further treatment for UI. FINDINGS: The women described living with UI as a manageable problem with which they had learned to live. They showed strength and desire to manage on their own. In many cases, other health problems overshadowed leakage problems. Several women saw health care services as a barrier that needed to be overcome before help could be obtained. Three key constituents emerged in the analysis: "learning to live with it despite difficulties," "other illnesses are more important," and "reluctance to seek care." For these women, the essence of the phenomenon of living with urinary incontinence (UI) can described as "a situation to accept and adjust to."

Urinary incontinence quality improvement in nursing homes: where have we been? Where are we going?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has made urinary incontinence (UI) a quality indicator as part of the Nursing Home Quality Initiative (NHQI). In addition, CMS issued revised guidance on UI and catheters (known as tag F315) for nursing homes regarding compliance in the evaluation and management of UI and catheters, and an investigative protocol for state nursing home surveyors to use during regulatory inspections. The prevalence of UI in nursing homes remains high despite many years of research and clinical efforts to cure or improve it. Nurses play a key role in assuring appropriate assessment of nursing home residents to prevent and treat UI. Changes at the organizational level and inpatient care are needed to make dignity of nursing home residents central to UI quality improvement efforts. This article reviews the epidemiology of UI, the evidence for behavioral interventions, and the types of quality improvement strategies used for UI in nursing homes.

Guidelines for managing faecal incontinence.

Mary Wilson reviews the NICE guidelines on the management of faecal incontinence.

Continence pads: have we got it right?

Women listed in the Croydon Community Continence database were contacted with a self-assessment questionnaire regarding continence pad usage and quality of life. Completed questionnaires were received from 763 of 1509 (51%) participants. Pads were used for bladder dysfunction (88.1%) and bowel dysfunction (44%). The majority (82.5%) had concurrent medical disorders and problems with mobility with 77.5% being on one or more types of medication. Nearly 39% of women claimed that they would be happy to continue pad use indefinitely and only 28% expressed interest in seeking further help. Compared to bowel dysfunction, bladder dysfunction appeared to have a greater impact on women's quality of life (P < 0.001). Containment products make a substantial contribution in improving the quality of lives of women with bowel and bladder dysfunction. The financial burden of containment products has a major impact on the health budget and therefore, comprehensive clinical evaluation should be mandatory before relegating women to pads as a final resort.

The meaning of incontinence in dementia care.

Exploring ways of helping dementia sufferers and their carer's cope at home is central to government philosophy and legislation (Department of Health, 2001). The success of such support relies on having an accurate understanding of the nature and extent of the illness, and the caregiving experience. This article recognises and validates the pre-eminent role of spouse caregivers in the day-to-day maintenance of dementia sufferers. In so doing, it promotes a caregiver-coping paradigm as the most sensible and effective approach to formulating clinical assessment and service delivery. There is a dearth of research exploring the influence of incontinence on caregiver coping. This is surprising bearing in mind the seemingly obvious difficulties it creates for the caregiver. This relationship, described and discussed from a caregiver perspective, provides a valuable example of the need for a paradigm shift in the way professionals and services support and care for people with dementia and their spouses.

Prevalence and burden of fecal incontinence: a population-based study in women.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The epidemiology of fecal incontinence (FI) is incompletely understood. We report the prevalence, clinical spectrum, health care-seeking behavior, and quality of life (QOL) in community women with FI. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to an age-stratified random sample of 5300 Olmsted County, Minnesota, women identified by the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Symptom severity was assessed by a validated scale, and impact on QOL was evaluated for subjects who had any FI during the past year. The prevalence of FI was calculated with direct age adjustment to the 2000 US white female population. RESULTS: Altogether, 2800 of 5300 women (53%) responded to the survey. The overall age-adjusted prevalence of FI in the past year was 12.1 per 100 (95% confidence interval, 11.0-13.1). The prevalence increased with age from 7 (third decade) to 22 (sixth decade) per 100 and was steady thereafter. Symptoms were mild (45%), moderate (50%), or severe (5%), and symptom severity was related to the impact of FI on QOL and physician-consulting behavior. Moderate to severe impact on >/=1 domain of QOL was reported by 6% with mild, 35% with moderate, and 82% with severe symptoms, whereas 5% with mild, 10% with moderate, and 48% with severe FI had consulted a physician for FI in the past year. CONCLUSIONS: More than 1 of 10 adult women in the population have FI; almost 1 of 15 have moderate to severe FI. FI significantly impacts QOL and prompts health care utilization predominantly in women with moderate to severe symptoms.

Managing fecal incontinence: self-care practices of older adults.

Little is known about the ways in which community-dwelling elderly individuals manage fecal incontinence (FI) in their daily lives. In this study, community-dwelling elderly individuals were surveyed at clinics of a health maintenance organization (HMO) to describe the self-care practices used to manage FI and to examine factors that influenced the number of self-care practices used and the reporting of FI to a health care practitioner. Responses of 242 elderly individuals who reported that they had FI several times per year were analyzed. The self-care practices used most commonly were changing diet, wearing a sanitary pad/brief, and reducing activity or exercise. Elderly women and those with a greater severity of FI and more chronic health problems engaged in more self-care practices. Factors associated with reporting FI to a clinician were considering FI to be a problem, uncertainty about the cause of FI, and changing diet to avoid FI. There is a need to promote effective management strategies for FI to older individuals living in the community.