User perspectives, preferences and priorities relating to products for managing bladder and bowel dysfunctions

Abstract

A great many people of all ages around the world cannot fully control their bladder or bowel, or both. Either in the short or long term, they rely upon products and devices to manage the emptying of their bladders and bowels and to collect, absorb and contain leaked urine or faeces. The incontinence product market is large and growing, and ongoing developments in materials and technologies should lead to improvements in these products and devices. Engineers and designers who work in this field - or who plan to do so - need to recognise the breadth of factors that affects the effectiveness and acceptability of products. The primary functions of products for managing bladder and bowel dysfunctions are the collection and containment of urine or faeces - and the associated engineering and design challenges may be considered in terms of flow rates and volumes and methods of acquisition and containment. But products will fail if they do not take into account other factors, some of which relate less directly to these primary functions and some not at all. This article aims to highlight the product characteristics that are most important to the people who use them, and areas where user-centred innovation and development may lead to improvements.

Efficacy of absorbent textiles in managing post-voiding dribble in older men: a systematic review

“…In addition, multiple use and incorrect fitting can cause clinical infections, including IAD, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and pressure trauma, or reduce the effectiveness of pressure-reducing mattresses and cushions, resulting in the development of pressure ulcers. 11–14 Furthermore, the capacity of pads to absorb and contain urine without leakage is only tested in laboratory settings. However, laboratory tests cannot fully reflect real-life pad use or predict the problems users may have.…”