Decreasing the Rate of Incontinence Associate Dermatitis with the Use of Disposable Pads

Decreasing the Rate of Incontinence Associate Dermatitis with the Use of Disposable Pads

Abstract

Background

Incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) has been reported to occur in 42% of incontinent hospitalized adults. Complications that can arise from IAD include bacterial and/or fungal infections, erythrasma, pressure injuries, and severe pain.

Clinical Question

In hospitalized patients with fecal and/or urinary incontinence, does the use of disposable incontinent pads versus disposable briefs reduce the rate of Incontinence Associated Dermatitis?

Search of the Literature

Utilizing the CINHAL and Journal of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses databases and key words incontinence associated dermatitis and prevention, 39 articles were identified. Inclusion criteria for research included hospitalized adult patients and use of a disposable pad resulted in 5 articles.

Clinical Appraisal

Current literature supports the use of a disposable pad over the use of a disposable brief to reduce the rate of IAD.

Integration into Practice

A Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcer Prevention bundle was implemented on all hospitalized patients. This included use of disposable incontinent pads in place of incontinent briefs and/or reusable bed pads. The goal was to reduce the rate of incontinence associated dermatitis.

Evaluation of Evidence Based Practice

IAD rates were evaluated one year prior and one year after implementation based on consults placed to the Wound, Ostomy, & Continence Nurse. Prior to using disposable incontinent pads there were 198 consults for IAD. After implementing the use of disposable incontinent pads there were 46 consults for IAD.