Incontinence-associated dermatitis in older adults in residential care settings: a point prevalence study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Dermatology
• Nursing

Background:

• Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is skin inflammation from urine/faeces contact, negatively impacting patient quality of life.
• Global data on IAD prevalence is limited, necessitating localized research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the point prevalence of IAD among older adults in Irish extended care facilities.
• To establish baseline data for quality improvement initiatives and auditing.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, multisite point prevalence survey was conducted in three Irish extended care settings.
• Clinical nurse specialists used the Scottish Excoriation and Moisture Related Skin Damage Tool for IAD identification.
• Prevalence was calculated for total and incontinent populations with confidence intervals.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of incontinence was 86.4%, with a higher proportion of females affected.
• The point prevalence of IAD was 11.5% in the total population and 13.3% in the incontinent population.
• Incontinence was associated with female gender, dependency, cognitive impairment, poorer mobility, and high pressure ulcer risk, but no predictors for IAD were identified.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the first empirical data on IAD point prevalence in Ireland.
• Findings can guide planning and budgeting for quality improvement projects.
• The data serves as a benchmark for future IAD auditing.