Integrating Sensor Technology in Disposable Body-Worn Absorbent Products

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to define the user profile, (technical) criteria, conditions, and potential benefits of the integration of sensor technology in disposable body-worn incontinence materials. DESIGN: Qualitative study using a framework method. SUBJECT AND SETTING: The sample included residents with incontinence, nurses, and decision-makers in a selection of Flemish nursing homes (Belgium). METHODS: Semistructured interviews were performed between June and August 2020. The interviews with nurses included open-ended questions focusing on the user profile, (technical) criteria, conditions, and potential benefits of the integration of sensor technology in disposable body-worn incontinence materials. The interviews with decision-makers were supplemented with questions about purchase cost and other economic criteria (such as reimbursement). Interviews with residents included questions about wearing comfort. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using a framework method. RESULTS: The user profile was defined as (1) residents with cognitive impairment and (2) residents who are bedridden or are severely limited in mobility. The following (technical) criteria emerged from the analyses: a small, thin, and oval/circular sensor, an adaptable or in front attachment of the sensor on the absorbent product, a real-time indication of the absorbent product's saturation, leakage detection, liquid stool detection, the automatic recording of incontinence-related data, a durable sensor easy to disinfect, and receiving notifications on a wearable device. Conditions included a stable connection between the wearable device and the sensor, accurate measurements, user-friendly system, comprehensible training, affordability, and data protection. Potential benefits included workload reduction, increased comfort for residents and staff, more person-centered care, increased quality of care, less skin damage and economic (eg, less costs due to less excessive absorbent product changes), and/or environmental (e.g. less waste) gains. CONCLUSION: Study findings identified the user profile, (technical) criteria, conditions, and potential benefits of the integration of sensor technology in disposable body-worn incontinence materials. Respondents reported problems with changing routines and skepticism about the sensor's accuracy. Based on findings from this study, we recommend involving representatives of all relevant stakeholders in the design of sensor technology to ensure users' needs and increase the use of sensor technology. Comprehensive education is recommended to inform nurses, residents, and their family members on the importance and benefits of the technology and to aid overcoming barriers to use (skepticism, resistance to new technologies, and changing care routines). Study findings also indicate that the sensor technology cannot replace the existing voiding programs; rather it should be an addition to routine continence care.

Design and Optimization of Urinary Real-Time Nursing Model Based on Medical Internet of Things

“…In addition, the application of the medical IoTs to the urinary real-time nursing model can transmit patient information to rescue nurses in a timely manner so that the nurses can receive the information in time and carry out rescue operations in a timely manner. The medical IoTs is conducive to improving the work efficiency of nurses, and the application of the IoTs in the urinary real-time nursing model can significantly reduce the incidence of errors [ 12 ]. In addition, the intelligent identification of the medical IoTs can greatly reduce medication errors, avoid errors in patients' execution of medical orders, and significantly improve the quality of work.…”

Technological Solutions for Urinary Continence Care Delivery for Older Adults

“…Sample sizes where residents of LTC or nursing homes were included were generally small, ranging from 1 to 101 19,21. Data were collected through observations, reviews, survey questions, semistructured interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions 2,5,6,12,13,17,21…”

“…17 Sensors that are visible may contribute to users feeling embarrassed or aggravate incontinence-associated stigma. 5 The potential for false alerts/alarms may limit the effectiveness of some technologies. 21 Several authors asserted the need for considering human-centered perspectives when designing and implementing devices for continence care.…”

“…21 Factors that may contribute to the adoption and sustainability of technology-based continence care delivery included: (1) efficient operation of devices, (2) accurate measurement of urine saturation levels, (3) user-friendliness, (4) cost, and (5) adequate training to safely and effectively use these devices. 5 Knowledge gaps identified in this scoping review include how the cognitive and physical function status of older adults' influence selection of appropriate products. A second knowledge gap is the effect of UI management technologies on the attitudes, experiences, and technology literacy levels of care providers who are involved in providing continence care, and how these factors affect adoption of a UI management technology.…”

Efficacy, effectiveness, usability and acceptability of devices for female urinary incontinence: A scoping review

“…Twenty‐one articles were selected among which 2 systematic reviews (Lipp et al, 2014; Mugita et al, 2021), 1 randomised controlled trial (Sugama et al, 2012), 1 quasi experimental study (Teerawattananon et al, 2015), 1 prospective interventional cohort study (Moore et al, 2021), 1 prospective descriptive study (Motta & Milne, 2017), 2 cross‐sectional descriptive studies (Grzybowska & Wydra, 2017; Gümüşsoy et al, 2019), 2 retrospective studies (Warren et al, 2021; Zavodnick et al, 2020), 1 product evaluation trial (Long et al, 2015), 1 pilot study (Jeong et al, 2016), 1 open‐label uncontrolled trial (Farage et al, 2011), 1 cost analysis study (Fader et al, 2010), 1 quality improvement project (Eckert et al, 2020), 1 qualitative study (Ostaszkiewicz et al, 2018; Raepsaet et al, 2021), 1 case study (Beeson & Davis, 2018), 4 conference paper (Dublynn & Episcopia, 2019; Fritsch et al, 2019; Maydick‐Youngberg et al, 2020; Mueller, 2019; Peters et al, 2021).…”