Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in Older Intensive Care Patients: A Review and Case Report

Abstract

Background

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis is a serious skin injury causing suffering, secondary infection, and inducing almost six times more pressure sore than normal skin patients. This moisture and chemical skin irritation is a concern, especially for intensive care unit nurses. This study aimed to review the effective nursing strategy for preventing and caring for incontinence-associated dermatitis in older intensive care unit patients and pilot its feasibility.

Methods

The five databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL Complete, WanFang, and CNKI, were searched, and articles were screened and extracted. The strategies and details of prevention and care for incontinence-associated dermatitis were reviewed and summarized. Finally, selected strategies were applied to five intensive care unit patients with various health conditions and levels of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis severity.

Results

The literature review found that there is a standardized nursing process for incontinence-associated dermatitis. The prevention and care strategies for incontinence-associated dermatitis include assessment, risk factor management, skin cleaning, skin protection, and health education and training. In actual clinical application, personalized nursing measures can positively impact patients. Five case studies from our pilot confirmed this finding.

Conclusion

Personalized nursing measures can positively impact patients in actual clinical applications. Our five case studies implementing the strategies from the review confirmed this finding. In clinical work, it is recommended to develop personalized nursing programs for specific risk factors of older intensive care unit patients.

Protocol Registration

TCTR20230808004.

Keywords:

• case report
• intensive care unit
• older patients
• incontinence-associated dermatitis
• nursing

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all the instructors of the Faculty of Nursing at Khon Kaen University from the academic writing class for their advice and comments. This is also extending to the librarian who helped to develop search statements and took part in searching proves.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Fundamental Fund of Khon Kaen University, has received funding support from the National Science, Research, and Innovation Fund (NSRF) (Grant Number NSRF66-002). Appreciation is extended to this research fund for making this research possible.