An International Continence Society (ICS) report on the terminology for single‐use body worn absorbent incontinence products

Mandy Fader,Joan Ostaszkiewicz,Mary H Palmer,Diane K Newman,Bernard Haylen,Sharon Eustice,Chris Chatterton,Tara Willson,Alan Cottenden,Helena Engqvist

doi:10.1002/nau.24488

Abstract

In 2016, the International Continence Society (ICS) Standardization Steering Committee appointed a working group to address the confusing plethora of synonyms currently used to describe single-use body worn absorbent incontinence products by recommending preferred terminology. An online questionnaire was posted in 2016/17 inviting input from stakeholders internationally. The data were analyzed and conclusions progressively refined through working group discussions, an open meeting at the 2017 annual ICS conference, and a review of further iterations-including from the parent ICS Standardization Committee-until consensus was reached. Partway in, the International Organization for Standardization started a project with similar scope and the two organizations liaised to harmonize their conclusions while respecting each other's processes. A hundred people from 18 countries responded to the questionnaire. About a third (32.2%) of those declaring their nationality were from the UK and a further third (34.5%) from other English-speaking countries. Two-thirds (67.8%) lived in Europe; around a quarter (23%) in North America; and 9.2% in Australasia. Seven main design categories of products were identified and, while clear consensus was readily achieved in naming some of them, others required more work to determine the best term among multiple contenders. The working group concluded that the seven product design categories should be called: (a) pads; (b) unbacked pads; (c) male pads; (d) male pouches; (e) pull-on pads (protective underwear); (f) all-in-ones (wrap-around pads, adult briefs); and (g) belted pads (belted products), in which the bracketed terms are judged acceptable (though not preferred) alternatives.

Highlights

Not all bladder or bowel incontinence problems can be completely and permanently cured
The challenge for those whose symptoms persist is to discover how to deal with their incontinence to minimize its impact on their health and quality of life (QoL). This usually includes managing urine and stool leakage using continence products. Even those whose incontinence is treated successfully may have to live with symptoms for a time—for example, while waiting for surgery, or for pelvic floor muscle training to yield its benefits—and they may use continence products temporarily during this waiting period
The questionnaire invited respondents to identify their interest in these products and their nationality; express their preferences for a range of offered alternative names for each of seven different categories of single‐use body worn absorbent incontinence products identified by the working group; suggest—with reasons—any other alternative names worthy of consideration; and comment on proposed descriptions for the defining features and main variant features for each of the seven design categories

Summary

| INTRODUCTION

Not all bladder or bowel incontinence problems can be completely and permanently cured The challenge for those whose symptoms persist is to discover how to deal with their incontinence to minimize its impact on their health and quality of life (QoL). This usually includes managing urine and stool leakage using continence products. The ICS appointed an international working group of experts in the field of containment with continence products to consult widely across the international community of people concerned with these products to establish a standard terminology that enjoys widespread support. Determined), describing: the on‐line questionnaire that was used to solicit the views of stakeholders internationally (Supporting Information, Appendix A, ICS website); the key characteristics and views of the respondents (Supporting Information, Appendices B and C, ICS website); and an International Continence Society members’ consultation meeting on the topic at the 2017 annual ICS conference (Supporting Information, Appendix D, ICS website)

| METHODOLOGY

Findings

Introduction & methodology