Management using continence products: Report of the 7th International Consultation on Incontinence

Abstract

Aim:To summarise the available evidence on the use of continence products to manage urinary or faecal incontinence published since the 6th International Consultation on Incontinence (2017) and provide key recommendations for the use of products in each group. Methods:A series of systematic reviews (grouped according to pre-determined topics) and evidence updates were undertaken and reported descriptively by members of an international committee to update the 6th Consultation. Results:The available evidence is presented for 13 categories of continence management products. Some categories (female mechanical urinary incontinence devices, products for preventing/treating incontinence-associated dermatitis and urinary catheters) had at least one new randomised controlled trial. Other categories had small-scale or qualitative studies, reviews or no new associated evidence. A summary of key research priorities is provided. Discussion:This paper provides a summary of the evidence available for a range of continence management products. Some product categories have a larger body of new and existing evidence than others, but there continues to be a lack of research to guide decision-making on the wide range of continence management products. Clinicians and other decision-makers remain largely dependent on expert opinion and individual user circumstances and preferences. We summarise specific areas where more.