Absorbent products follow-up
It is recommended that a person has their first follow up appointment quite soon after they first start using new absorbent products.
This could be done by telephone.
Remember Marina?
Marina has selected a washable two piece product. She is using a moderate absorbency washable pad for day and night.
She would benefit from an early follow up to check the absorbency is correct, particularly at night.
Check the absorbent products meet the person’s needs
During follow up, ask questions to find out if the absorbent products are meeting the person’s needs:
- Are they using their absorbent product?
- Do they have problems using their absorbent product?
- Are they having any difficulties with their bladder, bowel or skin?
- Do they have any questions?
If the person is not using their absorbent product or has problems using it, find out why.
Then work with the person to find a solution. For example, they may need a different product or more support learning how to use their product.
Question
Remember Sakura?
Sakura has cerebral palsy and lives with her family. Sakura uses pull on pads when she is at school and when sleeping.
She is returning to the service with her parents because her pull on pad has been leaking at night.
Sakura has difficulty communicating and her parents explain that she prefers to sleep on her side and urine leaks around her hips at night.
1. What issues have Sakura and her family identified?
No, Sakura should not drink less to avoid having leaks. Drinking less is not a solution and may cause bladder problems and make Sakura unwell.
Correct, a pull on pad does not have as much absorbency around the hips. This makes leaks more likely when a person sleeps on their side.
Sakura’s family have not described difficulties whilst Sakura is at school. Check whether they have talked to the teachers to see if Sakura is experiencing leaks whilst at school. Find out more before considering selecting a different type of product.
2. What actions would you recommend?
(Select all that apply)
All a), b), c), d) are correct. If Sakura is still having difficulties with leaks, arrange to assess Sakura for a different type of absorbent product.
Check the condition of the absorbent product
If the person has washable absorbent products, check the condition and whether they need replacing.
Check that:
- The top layer is in one piece
- The fasteners are working
- The outer waterproof layer has no splits or cracks.
Question
Remember Zora?
The healthcare worker does a follow up home visit to see Zora.
Zora is very happy with her absorbent products. They are working well.
During the follow up the healthcare worker checks the condition of the absorbent products. The absorbent layer and fasteners are in good condition but there is a small split in one of the outer waterproof layers. Zora explains that she caught it on a thorn bush when she was gathering her washing.
What action would you recommend?
Splits in the waterproof layer will allow leaks to spread if not repaired or replaced.
Remember
It can take time to work out the right product for a person. Early follow up may be important to check the product is working well.
Once a person has a solution that works for them, follow up can be included in other health care checks.
You have completed Lesson five!
If you have any questions or comments, post them on the discussion forum.