Development of a Need-based Interventional Skin Care Protocol on Incontinence-associated Dermatitis among Critically...

Area of Science:

• Critical care nursing
• Dermatology
• Patient safety

Background:

• Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a significant skin injury in critically ill patients, potentially leading to pressure ulcers.
• Effective skin care protocols are needed to reduce IAD incidence and severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an interventional skin care protocol for IAD tailored to the needs of critically ill patients.
• To assess nurses' knowledge and practices regarding IAD prevention.
• To identify the risk factors for IAD development in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, exploratory research design was employed.
• Data were collected from 40 nurses (knowledge questionnaire, observation checklist) and 100 patients (perineal risk assessment tool).
• Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis, and the protocol was validated by 5 experts.

Main Results:

• 60% of critically ill patients were identified as having a high risk for developing IAD.
• Nurses demonstrated poor knowledge (40%) and practice concerning IAD assessment, perineal care, and infection prevention.
• These findings informed the development of the need-based protocol.

Conclusions:

• A need-based interventional skin care protocol was successfully developed.
• The protocol aims to decrease the incidence and severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis in critically ill patients.