Efficacy, effectiveness, usability and acceptability of devices for female urinary incontinence: A scoping review

Investigate evidence available on the efficacy, safety and acceptability of devices for the management of female urinary incontinence, in which clinical settings and specific female populations they have been tested. Learn more about healthcare professionals' perspectives and experiences regarding female urinary incontinence devices.

Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary leakage of urine, estimated to affect 25%-45% of women. Urinary incontinence predisposes the skin to urinary incontinence dermatitis, it is one of the most common documented causes of inappropriate urinary catheterisation, favouring catheter-associated infection. Several products for managing female urinary incontinence are available, no accurate and systematic data on usability, effectiveness and associated outcomes of these products are available.

A scoping review was conducted, using a methodological framework including the following five steps: identification of the research question; identification of relevant documents; selection of documents included in the review; tracking of information and data; synthesis and reporting of results. Twenty-one articles were selected. PRISMA-ScR Checklist was followed.

The devices explored in the studies were as follows: female external urinary catheter; disposable sanitary pads, diapers or sanitary pads used to manage urinary incontinence in women; mechanical devices; a new prototype of underwear that tracks where pads lose; reusable underwear for light incontinence; a new intelligent system pad.

New smart pads, urine suction systems and female external catheters appear to be effective in preventing and reducing urinary incontinence dermatitis. The female external catheter reduces the days of indwelling catheterisation and could reduce the incidence of catheter associated urinary tract infection; therefore, it should be recommended.