Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/12295
Title: | Clinical evaluation of a prototype underwear designed to detect urine leakage from continence pads |
Authors: | Long, A Edwards, J Worthington, J Cotterill, N Weir, I Drake, MJ Van Den Heuvel, E |
Keywords: | Continence;Absorbent pads;Pad leakage;Health-related quality of life;Psychosocial impact;Smart underwear;Nursing |
Issue Date: | 2015 |
Publisher: | Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins |
Citation: | Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 42, (6): pp. 632 - 639, (2015) |
Abstract: | 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. |
URI: | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26528874 http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/12295 |
DOI: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/WON.0000000000000178 |
ISSN: | 1071-5754 |
Appears in Collections: | Institute for the Environment |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fulltext.pdf | 1.96 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Items in BURA are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.