New Sage Skin Assessment Tool Allows Clinicians to Track IAD Rates

Studies presented at the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) 2013 Conference in Denver reinforce the need for better skin assessment and the standardized use of Sage Comfort Shield® Barrier Cream Cloths. The unique Sage assessment tool allows clinicians to track incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD)  rates and encourages implementation of an effective IAD prevention strategy to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.

The first study, presented by Susan Bohnenkamp, RN, MS, ACNS-BC, CCM, demonstrated a 92 percent reduction in facility-acquired incontinence associated dermatitis by integrating the Sage skin assessment tool and Sage Comfort Shield® Barrier Cream Cloths into the University of Arizona Medical Centers IAD prevention practices. Results of a staff survey also revealed high levels of satisfaction and ease-of-use.

The second study, presented by Mikel Gray, PhD, FNP, PNP, CUNP, CCN, FAANP, FAAN, analyzed the relationship between IAD and prevalence of pressure ulcers. The Sage skin assessment tool was used on 791 patients from 20 facilities throughout North America. Of the 791 patients, 54 percent were deemed incontinent. Significantly, 43 percent of those incontinent patients were found to have incontinence associated dermatitis. More than 9 percent of the 791 patients assessed were diagnosed with sacral/coccygeal pressure ulcers. These findings confirm that IAD is associated with an increased likelihood of sacral/coccygeal pressure ulcers.

Terry Boersma, vice president of marketing, Sage Products, LLC, says Sage is committed to produce vital prevention tools and simple-to-use products that help clinicians and patients. The first step to prevention is identifying the problem. Are your patients at risk for IAD? Do you have protocols in place to track, evaluate and treat the problem? The Sage assessment tool was created with input from critical thought leaders to improve awareness and target effective interventions that can improve patient outcomes.
This research clearly validates the need for an easy and effective way to assess, treat, and protect patients against incontinence associated dermatitis.

Clinicians interested in learning more about this assessment tool should contact their local Sage Products Sales Representative at (800) 323-2220.