The Integration of Sensor Technology Into Incontinence Materials: a Single-group Pretest-posttest Study in a Nursing Home Environment

The Integration of Sensor Technology Into Incontinence Materials: a Single-group Pretest-posttest Study in a Nursing Home Environment

The smart diaper aims to (1) detect humidity, (2) be capable of sending real-time indication of the saturation to the healthcare workers when urine loss occurs and (3) generate alerts when the diaper requires changing. Potential benefits of the smart diaper compared to incontinence management products without sensor technology include: workload reduction, increased comfort for residents and staff, more person-centred care, increased quality of care, less skin damage and economic (e.g. less costs due to less excessive diaper changes), and/or environmental (e.g. less waste) gains.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Resident of nursing home
• Urinary incontinence or double incontinence (Katz score incontinence ≥ 3) by day and night. (Score assessed in one week interval before start study period 1 and 2 "D1")
• Wearing adult diapers as incontinence material, size M.
• Unable to change diaper independently when saturated or leaking (Katz score toileting ≥ 3). (Score assessed in one week interval before start study period 1 and 2 "D1")
• Written informed consent from resident or resident's legal representative.
• Dutch speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Residents who are receiving end-of-life care
• Residents with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)-score of < 24
• Residents with a dominant belly sleeping position