Scoping review: Technology‐based nursing interventions for urinary incontinence for individuals 65 years and older

Abstract

To review and summarize the available evidence on technology‐based nursing interventions for urinary incontinence. Scoping review. A review of english and German research articles published up to April 2024 examining nursing interventions in older people (> = 65 years) was conducted. Studies were retrieved by searching the Medline electronic database via PubMed and CINAHL database. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The review followed the updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews published in 2020. Eight studies and three different types of interventions based on digital technologies were identified: sensor‐based interventions, app‐based interventions and computer‐based digital expert systems. The interventions showed positive and no effects. The studies showed a high variety in terms of study designs, settings, measurement instruments, measured outcomes and were consequently not comparable. The current research density is too low to recommend interventions. Therefore, more high‐quality studies are needed. Studies should be designed to be comparable, if possible. The definition of a core outcome set is therefore indicated. There is a research gap that should be closed by high‐quality and comparable studies so that patients can benefit from evidence‐based incontinence care in the future. Defining core outcomes can help to better compare future studies. Technology‐based interventions should be investigated specifically for older people in the future as, in addition to the potential for improved incontinence care, they also have the potential to reduce the burden on caregivers and conserve staff resources. No patient or public contribution.