Instructions
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The focus of today’s program is a discussion of adult absorbent products and their features and benefits as incontinent management tools. We’ll also talk about how to decide which product options would be best for the individual patient/resident. First, let’s define incontinence and briefly review the types of urinary incontinence we encounter in our clinical practice. Learning Objectives The Learning Objectives for this course are fairly straightforward. While we will assume you may have some knowledge of health care reform as it has been discussed in the media, the purpose of this program is to give you a more in-depth understanding of what the Affordable Care Act is, why it was enacted, and what types of changes it will bring to our health care landscape. The purpose of setting learning objectives at the beginning of the course is to set the framework and goals for the information that we will cover. Once the course is completed you should be able to: 1. Describe two types of persistent urinary incontinence 2. List three factors to consider when selecting adult absorbent products 3. Describe at least three measures designed to improve incontinence
Introduction Let's start with a couple of definitions of incontinence, then move on to how incontinence impacts those around us, and then what incontinence is and how it classified. Once we have covered that we will move on to what products are available to control incontinence. First, two definitions of incontinence: Incontinence- Loss of urine anytime that is undesired (NAFC, 1998), and Incontinence-the involuntary loss of urine in an amount or frequency which constitutes a social and/or health problem (Kane, 2008)
Impact of Incontinence Economic Emotional Physical Incontinence is a prevalent problem. It is estimated that approximately 15 million Americans have problems with incontinence and it is more common in women. Estimates show that nearly $10 billion per year is spent on incontinence in the United States. And yet urinary incontinence is NOT a normal age related change. While the aging process creates some changes in the genitourinary system which can make one more vulnerable to incontinence problems, it is not normal nor should we all expect to be wearing Depends-like products as we grow older. The emotional impact of incontinence can be quite profound and can include depression, social isolation, embarrassment and shame as well as low self esteem. The physical impact includes the development of skin-related conditions, urinary tract infections and an increased risk for falls. Skin that is subjected to moisture is five times more likely to ulcerate than drier skin. Moistness increases the friction coefficient of the skin, increases the permeability of the first layer of the epidermis to irritants, and increases the skin’s colonization by microorganisms. Rick Fields-Gardner |
