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Perineal dermatitis due to urinary and/or fecal incontinence is a common problem. A multicenter, open label, phase II product evaluation was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a new cleanser protectant lotion in reducing perineal erythema and pain in patients at low-risk for perineal dermatitis and to compare the cost of this product to standard protocols of care. Nineteen elderly patients (14 male, 5 female, mean age 73.1 years) participated in the study. Average baseline scores for erythema and pain were 2.3 (+/- 0.5) and 1.5 (+/- 1.0), respectively (scale 0 to 4). After 7 days, both scores were significantly lower (mean scores 0.6 +/- 0.8 and 0.3 +/- 0.8, respectively; P < 0.01). Based on an average of 2.6 perineal episodes per day, the one-step product evaluated would cost $136 per patient/year less than standard protocols of care while reducing caregiver time (average 23 seconds per episode of care). Optimal perineal care may reduce the incidence of complications; studies to ascertain the safety and effectiveness of commonly used products and procedures are needed.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent and costly problem in nursing homes. Assessing residents with incontinence is necessary to determine the pathophysiologic causes and associated factors that can interfere with self-toileting. Nurses can perform this assessment at the bedside. Guideline tools have been developed to assist nursing home staff through the evaluation of UI and intervention. Treatment techniques, specifically behavioral interventions and toileting assistance programs, can be readily incorporated into nursing practice. Most nursing home staffs can easily implement interventions such as bowel and nighttime voiding management and dietary modifications. Nursing home research has demonstrated the effectiveness of toileting assistance programs; however, very little of this research and documented techniques has been used by nursing home staff. Scheduled toileting and bladder training programs can be successfully implemented in nursing home residents. The key to the success of these programs is identifying residents who should be targeted for each specific program. Staff education remains an ongoing issue, as caregivers must be aware of attitudes and beliefs about the aging process and its impact on the genitourinary system in order to provide effective care. Under the Prospective Payment System, nursing homes need to change business as usual and remain abreast of new innovations and research in different behavioral interventions and continence technology.

Clinicians use biofeedback as a tool to assist in muscle re-education when treating patients with urinary incontinence. Although the literature on biofeedback suggests its effectiveness, it lacks consensus and data on the frequency and number of biofeedback sessions necessary. Patient selection for pelvic floor muscle exercise with and without biofeedback is also not clearly identified. Medicare carriers in 21 states have written policies that specifically recognize biofeedback in the treatment of urinary incontinence. In states with these policies, problematic issues include failure to recognize the appropriate biofeedback code, number of services recognized, and bundling other services with biofeedback. In states without a written policy, attention needs to focus on developing a local medical review policy. Clinicians can make a difference by understanding the factors hindering the process, including the inadequacy of the literature and confusion over muscle re-education and the role of biofeedback. There is a need to identify a standard that addresses the diversity of clinicians and their opinions. This article reviews urinary incontinence and the role of biofeedback, focusing on Medicare coverage and how clinicians can help develop local carrier policies to supplement the national policy.

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) released their first updated guideline in March, 1996. Three documents were released: the Clinical Practice Guideline, Urinary Incontinence in Adults: Acute and Chronic Management; the Quick Reference Guide, Managing Acute and Chronic Urinary Incontinence; and the Patient Guide, Understanding Incontinence. The new areas are outlined and addressed. Unlike the 1992 version, the update emphasizes the problem of urinary incontinence (UI) in a specific population, those with chronic "intractable" incontinence. It provides an algorithm in the Quick Reference Guide for selecting appropriate behavioral, pharmacologic, and surgical treatments and supportive devices for use in managing UI. The concept of "prevention" of UI and the promotion of healthy bladder habits is introduced. The updated guideline developed recommendations for each assessment and treatment method. Specific interventions that can impact individuals with chronic "intractable" incontinence are discussed including toileting assistance programs, physical and environmental alterations, fluid and dietary management, management of nighttime voiding, and other measures and supportive care. Skin care and social and organizational environmental factors are also discussed. In August, 1996 the AHCPR released two additional, original documents, the Caregiver Guide, Helping People with Incontinence, and Alert for Directors of Nursing, which are briefly discussed.