The CPE network: creating an evidence base for continence product selection.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Product Evaluation

Background:

• Selecting continence products is complex for patients and healthcare providers.
• A need exists for evidence-based guidance on continence product selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a multicenter evaluation process for continence products.
• To establish an evidence base for informed product selection.
• To examine the methodological and statistical considerations of such evaluations.

Main Methods:

• Development of a government-funded multicenter evaluation program in the UK.
• Discussion of essential requirements for product evaluation.
• Examination of methodological and statistical issues in multicenter trials.

Main Results:

• A structured evaluation process for continence products was established.
• The process provides an evidence base to support product selection.
• Strengths and limitations of multicenter trials were analyzed.

Conclusions:

• The described evaluation process aids in selecting appropriate continence products.
• Multicenter trials offer a robust approach for product evaluation.
• The methodology can be applied to other areas within nursing research.