Nurturing skin health through simplified Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD) care

Did you know up to 20% of people suffering from incontinence develop incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD)?¹ This condition reduces quality of life and increases the risk of severe complications, including a 44% higher likelihood of developing pressure injuries.² Effective IAD management is crucial, with early detection and streamlined care practices being essential.

Traditionally, managing IAD has required multiple products and significant time investment from caregivers. However, a recent study at Sanctuary Care, one of the UK’s largest care homes with over 250,000 residents, suggests this approach may be unnecessarily complex.³ The study reveals that using 3-in-1 cloths can streamline IAD care, improve skin integrity, and offer substantial cost and time savings. These multifunctional cloths combine cleansing, moisturising, and barrier protection, simplifying the care process by eliminating the need for separate products for each step.

Replacing complex routines and multiple products with this 3-in-1 solution has led to remarkable improvements.

The findings highlight a 55% improvement in skin integrity among residents using these cloths.³ This significantly helps reduce the risk of further complications, improving the quality of life for individuals with IAD.

In addition to the health benefits, the study reports cost savings of up to 40%.³ For care homes operating on tight budgets, these savings can be redirected towards other essential services and improvements. The reduction in the number of products required also means less storage space is needed, further contributing to operational efficiency.

Moreover, the time saved by using 3-in-1 cloths is considerable. The study estimates a reduction in time by 34 minutes per patient/resident, per day,⁴ equivalent to the workload of one full-time carer per home per year.³ This is a significant finding, as it helps in part to address the chronic issue of staffing shortage. By freeing up carers’ time, homes can ensure better overall care and attention for their residents.

This study shows that multiple products are not necessary to manage IAD effectively. The use of 3-in-1 cloths offers a simplified, cost-effective, and efficient approach to care, improving both residents’ lives and care homes’ operational dynamics. Early detection and streamlined management practices are vital in preventing IAD from worsening. This solution represents a significant step forward in the care of individuals with IAD.
 

Contiplan combines all three essential skincare steps to effectively prevent and support the management of IAD. In addition to its practical benefits, using Contiplan can lead to a more dignified experience for patients and residents, as they receive comprehensive care through a simplified process. This holistic approach not only addresses physical health but also promotes emotional well-being by reducing the discomfort and stigma associated with incontinence care.

To download free IAD best practice resources or to request a free 2 week Contiplan evaluation*, scan the QR code or visit http://www.gamahealthcare.com.au/preventIAD.

Additionally, watch the short webinar on Prevention and Early Intervention of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD).

*For Australian facilities only, GAMA Healthcare’s free evaluation is available for a limited time for assessing one client in a single facility. This offer is subject to our discretion.

<sup>1. Kayser SA, Phipps L, VanGilder CA, Lachenbruch C. Examining Prevalence and Risk Factors of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis Using the International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence
Survey. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2019;46(4):285-290. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31276451/
2. Demarre, L., Verhaeghe, S., Van Hecke, A., Clays, E., Grypdonck, M., & Beeckman, D. (2014). Factors predicting the development of pressure ulcers in an at-risk population who receive standardized preventive care: secondary analyses of a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 71(2), 391–403 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jan.12497
3. Chitura M, Wares KD, Saviolaki G. Nurturing skin health through simplified incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) care. EWMA Conference 2024; May, 2024; London.
4. Ousey, K., O’Connor, L., Doughty, D., Hill, R., & Woo, K. (2023). IAD made easy. Wounds International. https://woundsinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/
a83af36c7505b2eede34a0a59ee118cb.pdf</sup>