Absorbent products for urinary/faecal incontinence: a comparative evaluation of key product designs
Fader M, Cottenden A, Getliffe K, Gage H, Clarke-O'Neill S, Jamieson K, et al
Record ID 32008100034
English
Authors' objectives:
The aim of this trial was to compare the performance and cost-effectiveness of the key absorbent product designs to provide a more solid basis for guiding selection and purchase. A further aim was to carry out the first stage in the development of a quality of life instrument for measuring the impact of absorbent product use on users' lives.
Authors' recommendations:
This study showed that there were significant and substantial differences between the designs of absorbent products and for moderate/heavy incontinence some designs are better for men/women than others. There was considerable individual variability in preferences, and cost-effective management may best be achieved by allowing users to choose combinations of designs for different circumstances within a budget.
Implications for healthcareThere is evidence that:A range of disposable and washable designs need to be provided to cost-effectively meet the needs of men and women with incontinence. Men may require more, or more absorbent, products than women. Although some users prefer washables, current products have important limitations and a blanket policy of providing only washables is not recommended. Allowing men and women to choose combinations of designs for day and night and for different circumstances, within a limited budget, is likely to be economical for the NHS.
Authors' methods:
Primary research
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.hta.ac.uk/1303
Year Published:
2008
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
England, United Kingdom
MeSH Terms
- Costs and Cost Analysis
- Fecal Incontinence
- Incontinence Pads
- Urinary Incontinence
Contact
Organisation Name:
NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme
Contact Address:
NIHR Journals Library, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, Alpha House, University of Southampton Science Park, Southampton SO16 7NS, UK
Contact Name:
journals.library@nihr.ac.uk
Contact Email:
journals.library@nihr.ac.uk
Copyright:
2009 Queen's Printer and Controller of HMSO
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.