Prevention and Treatment of Incontinent Associated Dermatitis (IAD) across the Lifespan

At our facility there was no formal program for prevention and treatment of IAD across the lifespan.  A review of the literature revealed different evidenced-based practices for 3 distinct patient populations:  neonates, pediatrics and adults.  A study by Junkins and Selekof (2007) showed a 19.7% prevalence of acute care incontinence and over half of incontinent patients had skin damage.  IAD is the most common skin injury for the pediatric population and increases the risk of a pressure ulcer by 22 times in adults according to Makelbust.  Development of a formal program may decrease IAD and improve the quality of care provided to patients.

Purpose: Develop a comprehensive program aimed at prevention of IAD across the lifespan

Objectives:

1. Design a comprehensive program for IAD across the lifespan
2. Develop tools including age specific algorithms for staff to help them care for patients with IAD
3. Educate staff on IAD and strategies for prevention and treatment
4. Procure necessary supplies for the prevention and treatment of IAD
5. Enhance patient’s comfort and satisfaction
6. Monitor compliance with use of protocol and order sets in addition to product utilization.

In summary our institution needed a formal program and tools to help the staff care for patients to prevent and treat IAD across the lifespan.

Outcomes:

1. Designed programs to meet the specific patient population needs for prevention and treatment of IAD
2. Developed or modified tools for assessment and recommended prevention and treatment of IAD specific to the patient populations
3. Provided education to interdisciplinary team members
4. Identified and made available the products necessary for staff to prevent and treat IAD across the lifespan
5. Increased overall patient satisfaction after implementation of the IAD program
6. Staff were compliant when rounds were made on the units