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Nurse Consultancy

Year: 2022

Sheehan HealthBlog2022
By Sheehan Health 0 Comments Sheehan Health Blog

Female External Catheter (FEC)

Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common hospital-acquired infections and remain a significant medical and financial challenge to the healthcare system. Despite this risk, incontinent women may require prolonged catheterization to accurately monitor urine output and prevent skin breakdown.

The PureWick Female External Urinary Catheter is a promising new non-invasive urine collection system for use in some incontinent women that may help reduce infection rates, and maintain skin integrity.  It allows urine collection away from the skin and stores it in a collection canister.

This device is not for all clients and contraindicated in urinary retention which requires traditional internal catheter devices.  Benefits include the ability to use the system in a variety of positions, ideal for most mobility constraints and the decrease in incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) from urine remaining on the skin.

By Sheehan Health 0 Comments Sheehan Health Blog

Moisture Associated Skin Damage (MASD)

MASD develops when the skin has prolonged exposure to excessive moisture; The skin

becomes over-hydrated and is prone to maceration, this makes it easier for irritants and

micro-organisms to penetrate the skin damaging its protective function and making it more

susceptible to breakdown.

MASD describes a range of inflammatory skin damage that occurs in response to the

prolonged exposure of an individual’s skin to substances such as, perspiration, urine, faeces,

or wound exudate. The harmful effects of excessive moisture are often associated with

incontinence, which leads to incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). It can often be

difficult to distinguish between pressure ulcers and IAD however, it is important that the

correct diagnosis is made, as these conditions have different aetiologies and treatment

pathways.

Education and awareness are key in MASD reduction and management. Importantly,

managing incontinence to preserve skin health with suitable consumables and skin

protective regimes; inspect the skin for signs of problems; consider nutritional status;

implement a preventative plan of care; think about mobility and changing position; identify

MASD correctly; provide appropriate skin care; and educate staff and patients.