Authors (including presenting author) :
Yu KP(1), Cheung KC(1),Yiu WS(1), Ng YY (1)
Affiliation :
Department of Medicine, Yan Chai Hospital
Introduction :
According to recent studies, the major causes of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is due to prolonged skin exposure to urine and feces. Therefore, a new technology “Smart Napkin System” is developed. It is a wearable sensing device which consist of wireless sensor and alarming lighting device that able to detect moisture level on smart napkin and patients’ posture change, so as to promote early napkin change and regular position turning of patients. A pilot study of the smart napkin system to patients was carried out in 3 general medical wards (one male ward, one female ward and one mixed ward) in Yan Chai Hospital (YCH), aiming to prevent the occurrence of IAD.
Objectives :
1. To early detect the soiled napkin to those patients with urinary incontinence who are not able to call for assistance 2. To prevent IAD development after using smart napkin system
Methodology :
Nurses and Patient Care Assistants are trained by team representatives on the use of the smart napkin system. Inclusion criteria: Patient on admission with 1. No pressure injury/wound in sacral and buttock area 2. Not on urinary catheterization 3. Bedridden / chair-bound 4. Unable to communicate 5. Norton score <14 6. On diuretics presenting with incontinence with napkin use. Each of the selected patient was provided with a set of the smart napkin system during hospitalization. The system alarm was set at 300ml liquid. The light of the alarm will turn into red alarm if liquid meets at the 300ml level. In response to the alarm, staff will have to perform napkin change, check skin condition, document on smart napkin record and input and output chart.
Result & Outcome :
Till December 2022, total 38 patients were recruited with 5- day trial implemented. At the end of the pilot study, no occurrence of IAD were developed.
