Urinary incontinence is the accidental leakage of urine. Assessing and managing incontinence is an important part of health care for people living in a long-term care home or in a geriatric inpatient setting.
Electronic monitoring systems can be used to assess urinary incontinence in real time using disposable briefs with electronic sensors. The sensors attempt to track a person’s urination patterns and urine volume so that staff can then try to select appropriate incontinence products, individualize toileting times, and adjust care routines.
Health Quality Ontario evaluated the effectiveness and cost of using an electronic monitoring system to assess urinary incontinence and the impact this may have on the management of urinary incontinence. We also interviewed people who have urinary incontinence to learn more about their experiences.
Through this evaluation, we found that the quality of the evidence to assess the system is very low.
The Ministry of Health is currently reviewing this recommendation.
The Ministry of Health has provided the following response: The Ministry has a standardized process in place to review Health Quality Ontario recommendations. This takes into consideration Ministry priorities, implementation options, the need for consultation with impacted stakeholders, and funding considerations.