Clinical evaluation of a prototype underwear designed to detect urine leakage from continence pads

Long, Adele; Edwards, Julia; Worthington, Joanna; Cotterill, Nikki; Weir, Iain; Drake, Marcus J.; Van Den Heuvel, Eleanor

Abstract

Copyright © 2015 by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. PURPOSE: We evaluated the performance of prototype underwear designed to detect urine leakage from continence pads, their acceptability to users, and their effect on health-related quality of life and psychosocial factors. DESIGN: Prototype product evaluation. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Participants were 81 women with an average age of 67 years (range, 32-98 years) recruited between October 2010 and February 2012 from outpatient clinics, general practice surgeries, community continence services, and through charities and networks. METHODS: The TACT3 project developed and manufactured a prototype undergarment designed to alert the wearer to a pad leak before it reaches outer clothing or furniture. The study was conducted in 2 stages: a pilot/ feasibility study to assess general performance and a larger study to measure performance, acceptability to users, health-related quality of life, and psychosocial impact. Participants were asked to wear the prototype underwear for a period of 2 weeks, keeping a daily diary of leakage events for the fi rst 7 days. They also completed validated instruments measuring lower urinary tract symptoms, health-related quality of life, and psychosocial impact. RESULTS: On average, 86% of the time participants were alerted to pad leakage events. More than 90% thought the prototype underwear was "good" or "OK" and that it would or could give them more confi dence. Mean scores for the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form indicated no change in the level of symptoms reported before or after the intervention, and no signifi cant changes in health-related quality of life status occurred, except improvement in for travel restrictions. Evaluation via the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale also indicated a positive impact. CONCLUSION: The prototype underwear evaluated in this study was effective and acceptable for 5 out of every 10 wearers. Findings also suggest that the prototype underwear is suitable for women of all ages, dress sizes, and continence severity.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 1, 2015
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2015
• Journal: Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing
• Print ISSN: 1071-5754
• Electronic ISSN: 1528-3976
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 42
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 632-639
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/WON.0000000000000178
• Keywords: absorptive products, adults, urinary incontinence
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/803943
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/WON.0000000000000178