Incontinence Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Incontinence, including details on urinary incontinence, bladder control, treatment, causes.

A critical review of the inter-relationship between skin vulnerability and urinary incontinence and related nursing intervention.

Ersser SJ, Getliffe K, Voegeli D, Regan S

Living with Chronic Health Needs Research Group, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK. sje1@soton.ac.uk

The literature reveals there has been limited critical discussion of the inter-relationship between urinary incontinence, the vulnerability of the skin and the clinical implications. This paper critically re-examines the literature to identify and apply relevant scientific principles and evidence to inform effective intervention. It includes background on the structure, function and disruption to the skin's barrier. The implications for fundamental and largely taken-for-granted nursing practices, such as washing the skin, are examined. The current state of knowledge is analysed, specifying the types of evidence available and its weaknesses, highlighting implications for a research agenda.

Published 8 August 2005 in Int J Nurs Stud, 42(7): 823-35.
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