WHAT WE DON’T KNOW CAN HURT US Pilot Prevalence Survey of Incontinence and Related Perineal Skin Injury in Acute Care

Incontinence is associated with increased use of healthcare dollars for caregiver time, containment, cleansing and skin protection products, and skin injuries. The injuries associated with incontinence, such as pressure ulcers, dermatitis and secondary infections, are considered preventable and viewed as quality indicators by regulators and consumers. Although well-defined in long term care, there is a gap in reporting for acute care. Three medical centers conducted a pilot prevalence survey of incontinence and perineal skin injury in March of 2005. Total patient census was 1,004 wit