Efficacy, effectiveness, usability and acceptability of devices for female urinary incontinence: A scoping review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Investigate evidence available on the efficacy, safety and acceptability of devices for the management of female urinary incontinence, in which clinical settings and specific female populations they have been tested. Learn more about healthcare professionals' perspectives and experiences regarding female urinary incontinence devices. BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary leakage of urine, estimated to affect 25%-45% of women. Urinary incontinence predisposes the skin to urinary incontinence dermatitis, it is one of the most common documented causes of inappropriate urinary catheterisation, favouring catheter-associated infection. Several products for managing female urinary incontinence are available, no accurate and systematic data on usability, effectiveness and associated outcomes of these products are available. DESIGN AND METHODS: A scoping review was conducted, using a methodological framework including the following five steps: identification of the research question; identification of relevant documents; selection of documents included in the review; tracking of information and data; synthesis and reporting of results. Twenty-one articles were selected. PRISMA-ScR Checklist was followed. RESULTS: The devices explored in the studies were as follows: female external urinary catheter; disposable sanitary pads, diapers or sanitary pads used to manage urinary incontinence in women; mechanical devices; a new prototype of underwear that tracks where pads lose; reusable underwear for light incontinence; a new intelligent system pad. CONCLUSIONS: New smart pads, urine suction systems and female external catheters appear to be effective in preventing and reducing urinary incontinence dermatitis. The female external catheter reduces the days of indwelling catheterisation and could reduce the incidence of catheter associated urinary tract infection; therefore, it should be recommended.

Non-medication coping strategies for urinary incontinence in older adults: factors associated with frequency of use.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of the use of non-medication coping strategies for urinary incontinence in older adults. METHODS: This methodological and cross-sectional study was conducted in 320 older adults. The data of the study were collected using a personal information form and a urinary incontinence questionnaire form regarding the frequency of the use of non-medication coping strategies for urinary incontinence. Within the scope of the validity and reliability study of the questionnaire, Cronbach's alpha, factor analysis tests, KMO, Bartlett's test, and principal components analysis were used. Descriptive statistics, independent t test, ANOVA, and correlation test were also used for data. The statistical accepted significance level was p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants in the study was 75.54 ± 9.34 years. Older adults who are illiterate, who are single, who have a chronic disease, who are at an advanced age, who are women, who describe having urinary incontinence during activities, who always experience leaking urine, whose diapers or underwear get wet, who share these issues with their relatives, and who do not consult a doctor because they are afraid of being examined were all found to have a higher frequency of use of coping strategies for urinary incontinence (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study recommends carrying out studies to raise awareness about urinary incontinence in older adults. In addition, this study suggests that the questionnaire applied to older adults study subjects regarding the frequency of the use of non-medication coping strategies for urinary incontinence might be used for all age groups.

Heridas en pediatría: Úlceras por presión, dermatitis asociada a incontinencia y lesiones por extravasación / Pediatric wounds: pressure ulcers, incontinence associated dermatitis and extravasation injures

En comparación con los adultos, la piel de los pacientes pediátricos presenta importantes diferencias que les hacen susceptibles de padecer determinadas lesiones con mayor facilidad, especialmente los neonatos. Entre ellas destacan las úlceras por presión (UPP), las dermatitis asociadas a incontinencia (DAI) y las lesiones por extravasación periférica. En todas ellas el papel de la enfermera es vital. El presente artículo describe y aporta pautas de actuación basadas en las últimas evidencias científicas para el diagnóstico precoz, la prevención y el tratamiento de estas lesiones que sirvan de ayuda a las enfermeras que atienden población pediátrica que presenta o tiene riesgo de presentar estas lesiones

Comparing to adults, children's skin has important differences that make them liable to suffer some skin lesions easily, specially neonates. Among these lesions stand out pressure ulcers, incontinence associated dermatitis and extravasation injuries. In all of them Nursing rol is vital. This article describes and provide standards of practice based in last scientific evidences for early diagnosis, prevention and treatment that are useful to nurses who cares pediatric patients with or at risk of these lesions

Dermatitis asociada a la incontinencia.: Estado actual del conocimiento / Incontinence-associated dermatitis. Current state of knowledge

La dermatitis asociada a la incontinencia (DAI) es un tipo de dermatitis de contacto irritante, que se observa frecuentemente en pacientes con incontinencia fecal o urinaria. Se manifiesta como una inflamación de la superficie de la piel caracterizada por eritema, y en ocasiones erosión cutánea. Es una condición prevalente y clínicamente relevante, con serias repercusiones sobre el estado de salud y la calidad de vida del paciente. Su etiología es compleja y multifactorial y sus complicaciones implican la infección cutánea y la aparición de otras lesiones añadidas. Es fundamental la correcta diferenciación entre las DAI y otras lesiones cutáneas similares como paso principal para su prevención y tratamiento, y el uso de instrumentos validados para su valoración, seguimiento y monitorización. La ausencia de estudios bien planteados hace que las recomendaciones para el abordaje de la DAI se apoyen en la opinión de expertos y las mejores prácticas disponibles. Las bases de la prevención y tratamiento de la DAI son el abordaje de la incontinencia y la aplicación de un programa o protocolo estructurado de cuidados de la piel que incluya la limpieza suave, la aplicación de productos barrera y el uso de agentes tópicos hidratantes. El presente artículo intenta recoger el estado actual del conocimiento sobre los aspectos fundamentales de la DAI y su implicación para la práctica enfermera

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a type of irritant contact dermatitis, which is frequently observed in patients with fecal and/or urinary incontinence. It manifests as an inflammation of the surface of the skin characterized by erythema, and occasionally skin erosion. It is a prevalent and clinically relevant condition, with serious repercussions on the patient's state of health and quality of life. Its etiology is complex and multifactorial and its complications involve cutaneous infection and the appearance of other lesions added. The correct differentiation between IAD and other similar skin lesions is fundamental as the main step for their prevention and treatment, and the use of validated instruments for their assessment, follow-up and monitoring. The absence of well-designed studies means that the recommendations for the approach to the IAD are based on expert opinion and best practices available. The bases of the prevention and treatment of the IAD are the approach to incontinence and the application of a structured program or protocol of skin care that includes gentle cleansing, the application of barrier products and the use of topical moisturizing agents. The present article tries to collect the current state of knowledge about the fundamental aspects of the IAD and its implication for nursing practice

The Impact of Microclimate on Skin Health With Absorbent Incontinence Product Use: An Integrative Review.

This integrative review considers the role of skin occlusion and microclimate in incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), with a particular focus on disposable, body-worn, absorbent incontinence products. Although the mechanisms are not fully understood, the primary causes of IAD are well-established: occluded skin, in prolonged contact with urine and/or feces and exposed to abrasive forces, is more likely to be affected, and each of these factors can be influenced by wearing absorbent incontinence products. Studies comparing the effect of various absorbent products on skin health have been hindered by the many differences between compared products, making it difficult to clearly attribute any differences in performance to particular materials or design features. Nevertheless, the large and significant differences that have sometimes been found invite further work. Breathable back sheets can significantly reduce the temperature of occluded skin and the humidity of the adjacent air, and several treatments for nonwoven top sheet materials (used next to the skin) have been shown to impart antimicrobial properties in the laboratory, but an impact on IAD incidence or severity has yet to be demonstrated directly. Recent work to introduce sensing technology into absorbent incontinence products to reduce the exposure of skin to urine and feces, by encouraging prompt product changing, seems likely to yield measurable benefits in terms of reducing incidents of IAD as the technology develops. Published work to date suggests that there is considerable potential for products to be engineered to play a significant role in the reduction of IAD among users.

What Wait Time in a Soiled Pad Is Acceptable to Older Patients and Their Direct Caregivers?

PURPOSE: We sought to establish views on wait times and hypothesized that they may vary depending upon perspective, circumstance, and incontinence type. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive survey. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Eligible patients were inpatients, 65 years and older, in a single tertiary acute care hospital. Eligible staff were regulated (licensed) and unregulated providers of direct care to patients. Patients may or may not have used absorbent continence products prior to their admission. METHODS: We examined views on acceptable and actual wait times of elderly acute care inpatients and their direct care providers (DCPs). Participants were asked about wait times for pads soiled with urine or feces during the day and at night. Differences between patients and DCPs and acceptable and actual wait times were compared. Factors associated with tolerance to the presence of urine or stool in absorptive products were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: There was patient-provider mismatch for daytime urinary incontinence: 90% of patients but only 44% of DCPs reported urinary soiling more than 1 hour in the daytime as unacceptable (38.0 vs 85.0 minutes; P < .0001). A significant majority (80%-90%) of both groups reported short acceptable wait times for fecal incontinence (<15 minutes). The odds of being tolerant to any soiling were significantly higher in patients who were prior residents of care facilities (odds ratio [OR] = 6.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-28.1; P = .019), previously used incontinence products (OR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0-3.8; P = .036), or used walking aids (OR = 4.0; 95% CI, 1.1-14.7; P = .039). Actual wait times were significantly longer than deemed acceptable by either patients or DCPs. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant gaps in patient-provider perspectives on acceptable wait times in soiled incontinence products. Direct care providers need to take patient preference into account when managing continence.

Identification of Key Odorants in Used Disposable Absorbent Incontinence Products.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify key odorants in used disposable absorbent incontinence products. DESIGN: Descriptive in vitro study SUBJECTS AND SETTING:: Samples of used incontinence products were collected from 8 residents with urinary incontinence living in geriatric nursing homes in the Gothenburg area of Sweden. Products were chosen from a larger set of products that had previously been characterized by descriptive odor analysis. METHODS: Pieces of the used incontinence products were cut from the wet area, placed in glass bottles, and kept frozen until dynamic headspace sampling of volatile compounds was completed. Gas chromatography-olfactometry was used to identify which compounds contributed most to the odors in the samples. Compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Twenty-eight volatiles were found to be key odorants in the used incontinence products. Twenty-six were successfully identified. They belonged to the following classes of chemical compounds: aldehydes (6); amines (1); aromatics (3); isothiocyanates (1); heterocyclics (2); ketones (6); sulfur compounds (6); and terpenes (1). CONCLUSION: Nine of the 28 key odorants were considered to be of particular importance to the odor of the used incontinence products: 3-methylbutanal, trimethylamine, cresol, guaiacol, 4,5-dimethylthiazole-S-oxide, diacetyl, dimethyl trisulfide, 5-methylthio-4-penten-2-ol, and an unidentified compound.

Absorbent products for incontinence: 'treatment effects' and impact on quality of life.

AIM: This study aimed to determine how the use and characteristics of absorbent products for incontinence impact on women's quality of life, and to examine the concept of 'treatment effects' in the context of pad use. METHOD: Key pad performance characteristics were identified from the literature and focus group work. Semi-structured interviews with 99 women with light incontinence were used to investigate the impact of pad use on women's quality of life, including both positive and negative 'treatment effects', and to rank pad characteristics by their importance. RESULTS: Achieving effective and discrete containment of urine was the dominant factor impacting on women's lives. Sub-themes embraced physical effects, psychological impact and social functioning. The five pad characteristics ranked most important for day time use were: 'to hold urine, to contain smell, to stay in place, discreteness, and comfort when wet. For night use discreteness was replaced by to keep skin dry'. High levels of reported anxiety were associated with perceived risk of poor pad performance, lack of discreteness and need for complex regimes for pad management. CONCLUSION: Insufficient attention has been paid to the balance between the beneficial and negative treatment effects of absorbent pads to date. Existing continence-related quality of life measures are not designed for conditions where change in symptoms is not an outcome measure. The study findings provide the basis for developing a more sensitive, patient-oriented, quality of life measure for pad-users which can aid product selection, new product development and inform future evaluative comparisons between products/products and treatments. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This paper illustrates the complex influence on quality of life caused by using absorbent pads to contain incontinence. It raises awareness of the importance of careful selection of the most appropriate pad for each individual to minimize unfavourable side effects, and the need for a new quality of life measure designed for pad-users.

Importance of the appropriate selection and use of continence pads.

Urinary incontinence is becoming an increasingly common problem for older men and women living in the community. It can have a deleterious effect on quality of life and, although advances have been made in treatments and therapies for this condition, there is still confusion over selection of continence products. This article will explore the problems associated with product selection and discuss alternative advice.

Effects of absorbent incontinence pads on pressure management mattresses.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to report a study to determine the effects of absorbent pads on the pressure-relieving properties of 'standard' and pressure management mattresses. BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers and incontinence often co-exist. There is a strong association between poor mobility and continence problems and patients using pressure management products are therefore also likely to be using absorbent pads. METHODS: An instrumented articulated anthropometric phantom with simulated soft body 'tissues' in the gluteal and sacral areas was used as the 'subject'. The phantom was raised and lowered on to three mattresses (standard foam, visco-elastic foam and surface-cut foam) in three states: naked, wearing a dry pad (Tena Super, SCA Hygiene AB) and wearing a wet pad. The pressure mapping device Xsensor was used to record the distribution of pressure over the sacral and ischial areas of the phantom. Peak pressure was used as the primary outcome variable and 10 repeats were made on each mattress under each condition. RESULTS: There were substantial and significant differences for all three mattresses in recorded peak pressures between the naked buttocks and the buttocks wearing a dry pad. There were no significant differences between measurements made using the dry vs. wet pad. Peak pressures frequently occurred over areas of pad folds. Additional testing showed that pads that were 'smoothed' by hand had significantly lower peak pressures than 'unsmoothed' pads. CONCLUSIONS: Absorbent pads have a substantial adverse effect on the pressure redistribution properties of mattresses. Pad folds appear to contribute to this effect, which can be ameliorated slightly by smoothing. Absorbent pad manufacturers should consider engineering pads that minimize disruption to pressure management. Further examination of continence and pressure management products is necessary to establish optimum combinations for nursing care.

Contact dermatitis to incontinency pads in a (meth)acrylate allergic patient.

BACKGROUND: The authors report a case of a 47-year-old woman who suffered a severe allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in the vulvar area after using Poise thin incontinency pads. She had a past history of ACD after the use of sculptured acrylic nails and after the installation of a dental crown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report is to show the spectrum of (meth)acrylate allergy in one individual. METHODS: Patch testing of moistened inner and outer aspect of the pad was performed. We also patch tested with the North American Contact Dermatitis Group series of 50 allergens, the dentistry series, various catalysts and inhibitors used in acrylic resin systems, and some epoxy acrylates. RESULTS: Positive ACD reaction occurred to both sides of the pad, with the inner aspect being stronger than the outer aspect. There were also multiple (meth)acrylate allergies. CONCLUSION: This case shows a new potential source of allergy to (meth)acrylates.

Development of a new test for mechanical irritation: behind the knee as a test site.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Certain consumer products, such as feminine hygiene products, and baby and adult diapers, are worn for prolonged periods of time in close proximity to the skin. A sensitive test method was needed to evaluate these products and their components for the potential to cause mechanical irritation during use. METHODS: We investigated several test sites on the body where normal, daily activities provided the opportunity for movement and, therefore, friction. These test sites were: the back of the knee, the axilla, and the wrist. Three exposure regimens were tested: 6-h daily for 4 days, 24-h daily for 3 days, and 24-h daily for 4 days. Controls consisted of satin fabric (a non-irritating material) or burlap (an irritating material). Test materials were secured to the test sites using an Ace elastic bandage (on the back of the knee), a snug fitting garment (on the axilla), or an athletic band (on the wrist). Test sites were scored for irritation on a visual scale prior to the initial application and 30-60 min after removal each day. Data were evaluated for the ability to reliably detect irritating materials, and for the ability to consistently differentiate between irritating and non-irritating materials. Quantitative measures of these abilities were used to rank the overall effectiveness of various test protocols as a model for mechanical irritation. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The results of these studies indicated that a protocol using the back of the knee as a test site with an exposure regimen of 6-h daily for 4 days, best met the success criteria for an effective test system for evaluating mechanical irritation.

Urinary incontinence treatment preferences in long-term care.

OBJECTIVE: To elicit preferences for different urinary incontinence (UI) treatments in long-term care (LTC) from groups likely to serve as proxy decision makers for LTC residents. DESIGN: A descriptive, comparative study of preference for UI treatments of frail older adults, family members of nursing home (NH) residents, and LTC nursing staff. Surveys were mailed to families and self-administered by staff. Older adults were interviewed. SETTING: Four LTC facilities and two residential-care facilities in Los Angeles. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred and three family members of incontinent NH residents were mailed surveys. Sixty-six nursing staff caring for these incontinent residents and 79 older adult residents of care facilities (nine cognitively intact NH respondents and 70 residential care residents) answered surveys. MEASUREMENTS: Preference rankings between seven paired combinations of five different UI treatments were measured on an 11-point visual analog scale, with the verbal anchors "definitely prefer" this treatment, "probably prefer" this treatment, and "uncertain." Respondents gave open-ended comments as well. RESULTS: Forty-two percent of family members (171/ 403) returned the mailed survey. Of all respondents, 85% "definitely" or "probably" preferred diapers, and 77% "definitely" or "probably" preferred prompted voiding (PV) to indwelling catheterization. Respondent groups occasionally differed significantly in their preferences. In choosing between treatment pairs using a visual analogue scale, nurses preferred PV to diapers significantly more than did older adults or families (both of whom preferred diapers) (F (2,295) = 13.11, P < .0001). Older adults, compared with family and nurse respondents, showed a significantly stronger preference for medications over diapers (F (2,296) = 41.54, P < .0001). In open-ended responses, older adults stated that they would choose a UI treatment based in part upon criteria of feeling dry, being natural, not causing embarrassment, being easy, and not resulting in dependence. Nurses said that they would base their choice of UI treatment upon increasing self-esteem and avoiding infection. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was wide variation within and between groups about preferred UI treatment, most respondents preferred noninvasive strategies (diapers and PV) to invasive strategies (indwelling catheters and electrical stimulation). Older adults preferred to a greater degree medications and electrical stimulation, therapies directed at the underlying cause of UI. Despite data documenting that diapering is a less time intensive way to manage UI and that toileting programs are difficult to maintain in LTC, nurses viewed PV as "natural" and strongly preferred it to diapering. Several family members and older adults viewed PV as "embarrassing" and "fostering dependence." These data highlight the need to elicit preferences for UI treatment among LTC residents and their families.

Disposable plastic liners for a colostomy appliance: a controlled trial and follow-up survey of convenience, satisfaction, and costs.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of a disposable liner designed for a 2-piece colostomy appliance pouch was evaluated. DESIGN: Randomized, crossover trial with follow-up surveys. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Nineteen participants were recruited from the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the surrounding community. INSTRUMENTS: A Daily Colostomy Care Evaluation Record and tally sheet of times for ostomy care were designed by the authors. METHODS: Participants, acting as their own controls, were randomly assigned to use either an unlined or a lined appliance for 9 days. On day 10, participants switched to the opposite regimen, which was maintained through day 18. They recorded the time required for daily colostomy care and perceptions of the lined and unlined appliances. The volume of ostomy supplies and cost were recorded at baseline, 1, 3, and 5 to 9 months after the initial trial. RESULTS: Odor, bother, perceived severity of leakage, and partner acceptance were better with unlined than lined appliances. Half of the participants were using a liner > or =75% of the time 3 months after the trial. There was no difference in cost when lined versus unlined ostomy systems were compared. Participants who chose to use the liners indicated high satisfaction. Problems noted included an inadequate seal with the liner (58%), inadequate liner size (16%), retention of flatus by the liner (11%), and difficulty removing the full liner (11%). CONCLUSIONS: The study supports recommending liners to patients who have a modest amount of fecal output or flatus. However, patients who are unable to manipulate the seal or have a large output volume are unlikely to find the liners a convenience. Satisfaction with the liners was sufficient to warrant investigation and design of a lined device with an improved design, greater capacity, and tighter seal.