1,721,116 research outputs found
Review of current technologies for urinary incontinence: strengths and limitations
A wide range of continence products is available, and this paper focuses on products to prevent incontinence (such as urinals and commodes) and to contain or manage urinary incontinence (such as absorbent pads, penile sheaths and urethral catheters). Drawing on results from published clinical evaluations at the Continence Product Evaluation Network at UCL and at other centres, the strengths and limitations of the major categories of incontinence products currently on the market are reviewed. It is concluded that, although products for continence have improved considerably over the last 20 years, there is considerable scope for the designer and engineer to improve on current products.<br/
Long-term bladder management by intermittent catheterisation in adults and children [Review]
Background: Intermittent catheterisation (IC) is a commonly recommended procedure for people with incomplete bladder emptying not satisfactorily managed by other methods. The most frequent complication of IC is urinary tract infection (UTI). It is unclear which catheter types, techniques or strategies, affect the incidence of UTI. There is wide variation in practice and important cost implications for using different catheters, techniques or strategies.Objectives: To compare sterile versus clean catheterisation technique, coated (pre-lubricated) versus uncoated (separate lubricant) catheters, single (sterile) or multiple use (clean) catheters, self-catheterisation versus catheterisation by others, and any other strategies designed to reduce UTIs in respect of incidence of symptomatic UTI, haematuria, other infections and user preference, in adults and children using intermittent catheterisation for incomplete bladder emptying.Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (searched 19 June 2006), MEDLINE (January 1966 to June 2007), EMBASE (January 1988 to June 2007), CINAHL (January 1982 to June 2007), ERIC (January 1984 to June 2007), the reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings, and we attempted to contact other investigators for unpublished data or for clarification.Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials comparing at least two different catheterisation techniques, strategies or catheter types.Data collection and analysis: Three reviewers assessed the methodological quality of trials and abstracted data. For dichotomous variables, relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived for each outcome where possible. For continuous variables, mean differences and 95% CI were calculated for each outcome. Because of trial heterogeneity, data were not combined to give an overall estimate of treatment effect.Main results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria; all were small (less than 60 participants). There was considerable variation in length of follow-up and definitions of UTI. Participant drop-out was a problem for several studies. Several studies were more than ten years old and outcome measures varied between studies. Where there were data, confidence intervals around estimates were wide and hence clinically important differences in UTI and other outcomes could neither be identified nor ruled out reliably.Authors' conclusions: Intermittent catheterisation is a critical aspect of healthcare for individuals with incomplete emptying who are otherwise unable to void adequately to protect bladder and renal health. There is a lack of evidence to state that incidence of UTI is affected by use of sterile or clean technique, coated or uncoated catheters, single (sterile) or multiple use (clean) catheters, self-catheterisation or catheterisation by others, or by any other strategy. The current research evidence is weak and design issues are significant. In light of the current climate of infection control and antibiotic resistance, further, well-designed studies are strongly recommended. Based on the current data, it is not possible to state that one catheter type, technique or strategy is better than another
Absorbent products for light urinary incontinence in women [Review]
Background:
Incontinence is a common and embarrassing problem which has a profound effect on social and psychological well-being. Many people wear absorbent products to contain urine leakage and protect their clothes. It can be difficult to define light urinary incontinence because urine volumes, flow and frequency rates may vary substantially whilst still being considered 'light'. Light incontinence may encompass occasional (monthly) leaks of very small amounts (e.g. 1 g to 2 g) up to frequent leaks (several times per day) of larger amounts (e.g. 20 g to 50 g). A practical definition is urine loss that can be contained within a small absorbent pad (typically 50 g to 500 g; ISO 1996).Objectives:
To assess the effectiveness of different types of absorbent product designs for women with light urinary incontinence.Search strategy:
We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (3 May 2006) and the reference lists of relevant articles were perused.Selection criteriaTypes of studies:
All randomised or quasi-randomised trials of absorbent products for women with light urinary incontinence.Types of participants:
Women with light urinary incontinence.Types of intervention:
Absorbent products (disposable insert pads, menstrual pads, washable pants with integral pad, washable insert pads) suitable for light incontinence.Data collection and analysis:
Two review authors assessed the methodological quality of potentially eligible studies and independently extracted data from the included trial.Main results:
One study with 85 participants met the selection criteria. This trial studied all the absorbent product designs included in this review. Data were presented on all included outcomes. For preventing leakage, for preference and for overall acceptability disposable insert pads are better than disposable menstrual pads which are better than washable pants with integral pad which are better than washable insert pads. There is no strong evidence that either disposables or washables are better for skin health. The disposable insert is the most expensive design and there is no dominant design for cost-effectiveness. There is evidence that some women will prefer alternative designs which are all cheaper than disposable inserts.Authors' conclusions:
Although data were available from only one eligible trial the data were sufficiently robust to make recommendations for practice. Disposable insert pads are typically more effective than the other designs considered. However, because they are the most expensive, providing choice of designs (or combinations of designs for different circumstances) is likely to be cost-effective
Clinical academic role descriptors: research
The clinical academic pathway outlined below highlights the range of typical research-focused activities that a nurse on a clinical academic career pathway might normally engage in at different levels and points along this career path. The activities are intended as a guide for nurses interested in learning more about the research components of a clinical academic career, as well as those already employed in clinical academic roles. They may also be useful for health care organisations and Higher Education Institutions as a tool for developing clinical academic role
A systematic review of interventions to minimise the initial use of indwelling urinary catheters in acute care
Managing urinary incontinence at the end of life: an examination of the evidence that informs practice
To achieve a 'good' death, management of urinary incontinence at the end of life arguably should be as much a priority for nursing attention as managing symptoms such as pain and nausea. To understand how contemporary best practice is described and the nature of interventions prescribed for managing this issue, this article reviews the content of 16 seminal palliative care textbooks and 10 journal articles (retrieved through systematic search techniques) that discuss the management of urinary incontinence for patients at the end of life. The findings depict an area of nursing that has been governed by 'common sense' and precedent rather than evidence-based research, particularly regarding the use of indwelling urinary catheters. There is very little robust research evidence on this topic. Further research is required to ascertain the current state of practice in settings where patients who are approaching the end of life are cared for and the needs and preferences of patients and families
Intermittent catheterisation policies (non-pharmaceutical) for long-term bladder management in adults and children
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