Correct Selection of Appropriate Incontinence Aid is Crucial for Addressing Patient's Difficulties

Správný výběr vhodné inkontinenční pomůcky je klíčový pro řešení pacientových obtíží

Správný výběr vhodné inkontinenční pomůcky je klíčový pro řešení pacientových obtíží

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How to Determine the Suitable Incontinence Aid?

Choosing the most suitable aid for the patient is crucial. There are many differences, and the doctor must assess several factors when deciding. Is the issue affecting a woman or a man? How severe is the urine leakage? Is it Grade I, II, or III incontinence? Different needs arise for a self-sufficient senior, an immobile client, or an actively sporting young individual. All this influences the type of chosen aid.

The essential criteria when choosing are absorption and retention. Absorption is defined as the amount of fluid the aid can capture. Retention is the ability to lock the liquid within the absorbent core so that it cannot return to the surface. The quality of the selected aid is determined by retention regardless of its absorption capacity. 

Superabsorbent Inside the Absorbent Core

A superabsorbent is a costly material within the absorbent core that forms a gel upon contact with fluid, absorbs odors, and keeps the fluid inside. The more superabsorbent, the higher the retention of the aid. The advantage of such an aid with a high retention capability is the feeling of dryness, prevention of infectious complications and skin integrity damage, and a greater sense of discretion or enhancement of human dignity. For personal comfort and the possibility of an active life, the patient needs to be able to rely on their aid. 

Activating the Aid

Before using the incontinence aid, it must be activated. The aid is compressed in the package, and its absorbent core cannot function properly in this state. It is necessary to release it. The aid must be fully unfolded, stretched lengthwise, and then formed into a so-called trough − folded and crumpled along the outer edge. This procedure is necessary for the correct function of the material and activation of the absorbent core. Patients should be informed of the need for activation, for instance, by a nurse in a doctor's office or when picking up the aid by a pharmacist.

Reimbursement of Aids from Health Insurance

The reimbursement of incontinence aids by health insurance is mandated by law. A specialist doctor determines the degree of incontinence (I., II., or III.) based on the amount of urine leakage in milliliters over 24 hours. Within this grade, the patient can use various types of aids and their combinations. On the prescription, only one type of aid should be prescribed, but the patient may have multiple prescriptions. However, the doctor must adhere to the unit and financial limit. This is determined by the degree of incontinence. It is possible to use up to 150 aids per month. The financial limits are 449.65 CZK for Grade I, 900.45 CZK for Grade II, and 1699.70 CZK for Grade III. The limit that is reached first applies. A new law also defines copayments − 15% of the price for Grade I, 5% for Grade II, and no copayment for Grade III. 

Conclusion

The price of an incontinence aid does not always indicate its quality. It is necessary to choose aids correctly in all respects to ensure the patient's maximum comfort and that the type of aid meets their needs and lifestyle. Only in this way can the quality of life be effectively improved.

(kaše)

Sources:
1. By which parameters do we best assess the quality of incontinence aids? proLékaře.cz, 25. 2. 2021. Available at: www.prolekare.cz/tema/inkontinence/detail/podle-kterych-parametru-nejlepe-posoudime-kvalitu-inkontinencnich-pomucek-125929
2. Retention − An Overlooked Parameter of Incontinence Aids. proLékaře.cz, 9. 4. 2021. Available at: www.prolekare.cz/tema/inkontinence/detail/retence-opomijeny-parametr-inkontinencnich-pomucek-126627