Usability study proves product type matters

Incontinence products that are easier to use save time and effort during product changes, as well as improve carer satisfaction.

A guide to informed product choices

A study from 2018 shows that belted and pants product types are easier to use than all-in-one and 2-piece product types(1). This higher usability translates into real value, such as: 

Up to 13 weeks of caregiver time saved annually(2)
Products with higher usability scores generate significant time-savings during product changes. This could allow carers to refocus their time to meet user needs.
 
Up to 9 weeks of back bends saved annually(2)
Products with higher usability scores reduce physical strain on caregivers during product changes. This in turn can reduce sick leave and temporary staff costs.
 
Satisfied staff
Products with higher usability scores are likely to improve carers’ job
satisfaction and working environment.

TENA Flex and TENA Pants score higher

Belted and pants product types consistently received higher usability scores than all-in-one and pad-with-fixation-pant product types(3).

Watch the movie to see the differences.

Usability research methodology

Study facilitated by TENA and performed by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden(4)
 
Usability is a product-evaluation method accepted in many fields of research. It measures how well a product contributes to effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in real use(5).
 
Types of changes
Experienced caregivers measured product usability during standing and lying changes.

Product types tested
Four absorbing incontinence product types were tested: belted, pants, all-in-one and pad-with-fixation-pant.
 
Usability metrics
Products were evaluated by effectiveness (fit), efficiency (carers’ time on task and workload) and satisfaction (using a subjective questionnaire).

References

1New usability study proves product type matters. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2018;45(5):456-464
2Essity Data on file 2017. Reference case: 50 dependent residents using three products per day 365 days per year.
3Parent, A.S. (2016) Management for containment: A review of current continence care provisions. Global Forum on Incontinence. 30th March 2016.
4RISE Research Institutes of Sweden is fully owned by the Swedish state.
5International Organization for Standardization, 1998.