Authors (including presenting author) :
Ng MW, Chan PY, Lam HT, Wong N
Affiliation :
Department of Medicine, Haven of Hope Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Incontinence-associated Dermatitis
Keyword 3: :
Early Screening
Introduction :
Incontinence-associated Dermatitis (IAD) is a significant health challenge among geriatric patients and a well-recognized risk factor for pressure injury development. Apart from causing patients discomfort, it can also be difficult and time-consuming to treat. Nurses & health care workers thus play a key role in preventing and treating IAD so as to promote healthy skin and reduce injury among patients.
Objectives :
1) To reduce IAD incidence of in-patient through early screening and strategic intervention and prevent progression to Pressure Injury 2) To improve clinical knowledge of staff about IAD prevention strategies and IAD care
Methodology :
A comprehensive program was conducted before project implementation. Staff empowerment through Educational Lecture was delivered to nurses and PCAs to emphasize the IAD Care and prevention strategies. Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) and Nurses were engaged to perform skin checks during napkin rounds, early screening by physical examination and Norton Score was performed to all incontinence patients. Intervention will be applied once the risks of IAD are identified and cases will be reviewed every week. “IAD Care” bed panel sign and IAD care box at bedside to indicate that the patient is under IAD care, and the corresponding IAD prevention products designated to the patient. An IAD cue card was located on the PCAs’ diaper trolley as a reminder to perform skin check, apply cream during napkin rounds and report potential IAD cases to nurses. Proper documentation of IAD care plan and the next review date were well documented on CMS nursing notes. The patient's family was engaged to deliver proper IAD care to potential IAD cases.
Result & Outcome :
From September 2024 to August 2025, enhanced preventive measures significantly reduced the incidence rate of newly developed IAD from 11.1% to 5.9%. Additionally, PCAs demonstrated improved knowledge of IAD care, with 92% accurately identifying common body parts affected by IAD and 100% recognizing the indications for using IAD products. Overall, staff awareness regarding IAD care and prevention improved, with 71% of nurses reporting increased confidence in managing IAD.
