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Incontinence in institutions: costs and contributing factors.
1Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London.
Summary
Incontinence affects 62% of long-term care patients, with mobility and mental function impacting its frequency. Improving mobility can significantly reduce nursing time dedicated to incontinence care.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing Research
Background:
- Incontinence is a prevalent issue in long-term care settings, significantly impacting patient quality of life and healthcare costs.
- Understanding the contributing factors to incontinence is crucial for developing effective management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the independent contributions of mobility and mental function to incontinence prevalence in a long-term care hospital.
- To establish baseline prevalence rates and costs associated with incontinence prior to implementing a continence program.
Main Methods:
- A prevalence survey was conducted in a long-term care hospital.
- Data were collected from 457 inpatients regarding urinary and fecal incontinence, mobility, and mental function.
- Costs were measured by nursing time, laundry, and incontinence supplies.
Main Results:
- The prevalence rates were 62% for urinary incontinence, 46% for fecal incontinence, and 44% for combined incontinence.
- Mobility and mental function were identified as independent predictors of incontinence frequency.
- Immobility was the strongest predictor of nursing time spent on incontinence care, while incontinent events predicted soiled linen quantity.
Conclusions:
- Patient characteristics, including mobility and mental function, influence incontinence prevalence.
- Implementing a continence management program has the potential to reduce laundry and supply costs.
- Enhancing patient mobility can lead to a reduction in nursing time dedicated to managing incontinence.