CC08 Care for individuals using containment products

Overview

This standard covers caring for individuals using containment products.  It involves assessing and reviewing the need for containment products and selecting suitable containment products.  It also involves explaining the use of containment products to individuals. Containment products should not be considered as a treatment for incontinence.  They should be used only as a coping strategy pending definitive treatment, an adjunct to ongoing therapy or long-term management of incontinence after all other treatment options have been explored. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. the current European and National legislation, national guidelines, organisational policies and protocols in accordance with clinical/corporate governance which affect your work practice in relation to the use of containment products
2. the importance of working within your sphere of competence and when to seek advice if faced with situations outside of your sphere of competence
3. the importance of applying standard precautions for infection control and the potential consequences of poor practice
4. the importance of documentation, the data protection act, care of records and disclosure of information with consent from the individual and your employer and the legal and professional consequences of poor practice
5. the anatomy and physiology of the male and female lower urinary tract in relation to lower urinary tract function and continence status including:
1. urine production and what influences this
2. normal micturition
3. the nervous system, including autonomic dysreflexia
4. the bowel
5. the pelvic floor muscles/complex
6. endocrine
7. the prostate gland, urethral sphincters and the urethra
6. the anatomy and physiology of the male and female lower gastro intestinal tract in relation to lower bowel function and continence status including:
1. stool production and what influences this
2. normal defaecation
3. the nervous system including autonomic dysreflexia
4. the bowel
5. the pelvic floor muscles and sphincter muscles
6. endocrine
7. the principles and practice with regard to the management of temporary or intractable bladder and/or bowel dysfunction and how to achieve effective and acceptable social continence status for individuals
8. the different types of containment products available
9. the use of containment products  including, what they involve, indications, expected outcomes, side-effects, complications and how to source them privately
10. the type of supportive information that is provided to individuals covering name of the product, how to use the product, how to check the product is functioning correctly, and who to contact in case of problems
11. how to review individuals’ needs for containment products including their general health, their vision, hearing and touch, their cognitive ability and memory, previous experience, their expectations, where the product is to be used, individuals responsibility
12. how to select containment products in relation to type of incontinence, degree, frequency, severity, the individual’s activities of daily living and psychological needs
13. the particular risks which specific containment products may have
14. the methods of enabling the individual to be as comfortable as possible and maintaining their dignity and privacy given the constraints of the particular containment product and the setting
15. how individuals with incontinence can carry out odour control for themselves
16. the indications and limitations of reusable absorbent products used in the containment of incontinence and what choices, styles and designs are available
17. the effects of cream and lotions on the function of certain containment products
18. how to undertake a pressure ulcer risk assessment for individuals with incontinence and offer appropriate interventions to prevent pressure ulcer development or deterioration enhanced by the use of containment products
19. how to identify frequency methods to review skin health and integrity related to individual need as part of their management plan
20. how to advise individuals with regard to skin cleansing and preparation prior to the fitting of containment products
21. how to advise individuals regarding skin health and care, particularly for individuals with loss of sensation such as spinal injury
22. how to educate individuals in recognising skin related complications and the actions to take in relation to the usage of containment products
23. how certain categories of medication can cause both urinary and/or faecal incontinence
24. how individuals’ current medication can cause urinary and/or faecal incontinence
25. the range of skin care products including skin protection, skin preparation and skin problems that are prescribed in relation to frequency of use and indications

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control and take other appropriate health and safety measures
2. assess and review the need for containment products with the individual and relevant others
3. obtain valid consent from the individual for the use of containment products
4. ensure the environment used for the fitting or changing of containment products is suitable, and that the privacy and dignity of the individual is maintained
5. explore the needs, requirements and expectations of the individual and relevant others, and agree goals for the use of containment products
6. select and obtain suitable containment products for the individual that meets their needs, and are in accordance with protocols and guidelines
7. confirm the suitability of the identified containment product for the individual and take the appropriate action if it is unsuitable
8. explain the use of containment products and expected outcomes to the individual and relevant others and provide them with the necessary supportive information
9. identify any adverse effects and complications and take the appropriate action
10. produce a full, accurate and clear record of the intervention and any agreed follow-up action

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing in December 2007. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and treatment planning