Adult incontinence containment products are frequently used for continent patients (especially women) with low mobility. Yet the literature associates their use with multiple adverse outcomes including diminished self-esteem and perceived quality of life, and higher incidence rates of dermatitis, pressure wounds and urinary tract infections. Among older adults, nurses should conduct a thorough assessment to determine the risk of such outcomes before initiating or continuing the use of incontinence containment products. The development of a continence care plan should be a shared decision-making process that includes the known wishes of clients regarding care needs and the perspectives of carers and the health care team.

Conditions: Urinary Incontinence

Treatments: Incontinence containment products (briefs or pads) , continence care plan

Sources

• Agnew R, Booth J. Promoting urinary continence with older people: a selective literature review. Int J Older People Nurs. 2009 Mar;4(1):58-62. (PubMed)
• Cave CE. Evidence-based continence care: an integrative review. Rehabil Nurs. 2016 Aug 11. (PubMed)
• Coffey A, McCarthy G, McCormack B, et al. Incontinence: assessment, diagnosis, and management in two rehabilitation units for older people. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2007 Dec;4(4):179-86.(PubMed)
• Netsch D. Continence Care Literature Review 2012. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2013 Nov-Dec;40(Suppl.): S21-9.
• Zisberg, A. Incontinence brief use in acute hospitalized patients with no prior incontinence. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2011 Sep-Oct;38(5):559-64. (PubMed)
• Zisberg A, Sinoff G, Gur-Yaish N, et al. In-hospital use of continence aids and new-onset urinary incontinence in adults aged 70 and older. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2011 Jun;59(6):1099-104. (PubMed)