Fecal incontinence is a common problem in hospitalized adult patients. Previously identified risk factors were also found in our sample.

PURPOSE:The purpose of this project was to identify common and best practices for safe nail care among nail care providers. DESIGN: Descriptive study using online survey. SUBJECTS AND SETTING:The study was conducted by 2 credentialed foot and wound care nurses within a large Midwest healthcare system. Participants were nurses and physicians who provide nail care to patients and individuals in the hospital and community setting such as private homes and nursing homes and hospice agencies. METHODS: Email invitations with a link to the survey were sent to eligible individuals and organizations in which wound care specialists were employed. Information about the survey was posted on the Certifi ed Foot Care Specialty homepage, and on the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing (WOCN) Members-only Forum and Facebook page. RESULTS: An estimated 1000 surveys were sent of which 246 surveys were returned. Fifty-three percent (121/229) of respondents were certifi ed through the WOCN Certifi cation Board and 41% (93/229) were certifi ed through the American Foot Care Nurse Association. Most respondents reported using some form of self-protection when fi ling (225/246, 91.5%), trimming (215/246; 87.4%), or using a rotary tool (204/246, 82.9%) on patients' nails. However, approximately one-fourth of respondents reported offering some type of protection for patients when fi ling (63/246, 25.6%), trimming (41/246, 16.7%), or using a rotary tool (64/246, 26.0%). Most of the nurses surveyed provided nail care in outpatient and foot care clinics, acute care settings, private homes, and nursing homes/hospice. CONCLUSIONS: When providing nail care, the patient/client protections should closely mirror the personal protective equipment used by the nurse. Future research is needed to contribute to a national consensus guideline for best practices and protections at all levels of nail care in the acute care and community settings.