Strategies and Interventions for Prevention and Management of Incontinence Associated Dermatitis

Course overview

This course is presented by Kim Kehoe, BSN, RN, CWOCN, DAPWCA. Incontinence Associated Dermatitis or “IAD” presents a complex and challenging problem for health care providers. IAD is often mistaken for pressure ulcers, specifically NPUAP stage one and stage two pressure ulcers. Is it a pressure ulcer or incontinence associated dermatitis? It is important that IAD is recognized as a completely different category and differentiated from pressure related wounds. And with recent changes in reimbursement and regulatory policies, accurate differentiation is more important than ever. One of the biggest obstacles to the effective management of persons with incontinence has been the perception that incontinence was inevitable and irreversible. This program is intended to highlight our focus on prevention and remind us that a comprehensive assessment focuses on the patient with incontinence, not the incontinence itself. The presentation will review skin anatomy and physiology, describe the pathophysiology specific to IAD and its clinical significance. Current and practical information about the differential diagnosis of moisture and pressure related skin damage will be shared. New information on skin care technology will be examined to enhance our prevention and management strategies related to IAD.