Assistive technology products for toilet-use and continence containment problems in the home setting: a mapping review

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to identify common toilet-use and continence containment problems among community-dwelling adults, explore the range of assistive products available for these issues, and map the products identified to the problems they address.

Design
A mapping review methodology was employed, modified to include grey literature, to identify the full range of toilet-use and continence containment assistive products that are designed for use in the home setting.

Methods
An initial inventory of toilet-use and continence containment problems was derived from toilet-use task sequence analysis and commonly occurring containment challenges. This was supplemented by scoping searches of grey literature and refined with feedback from partner representatives. Assistive products were identified through structured online searches and review of seminal texts. A nurse researcher with community health experience then mapped the categories of assistive products to the identified problems.

Results
Thirty-three toilet-use and containment problems were identified, stratified into 295 subproblems based on end-user characteristics, including physical and cognitive function, and urinary or faecal voiding needs. The search revealed 163 categories of assistive products and mapping these to the subproblems resulted in more than 1500 product-to-problem links. No suitable assistive product options were identified for six sub-problems.

Conclusion
Given the diversity of toilet-use and containment challenges faced by community-dwelling individuals and the array of available assistive products, this novel study highlights the complexity of matching products to individual needs. These findings emphasise the need for better resources to support individuals, caregivers and healthcare professionals in optimising decision-making on and selection of toilet-use and continence containment products.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Marjolein Woodhouse: orcid.org/0000-0003-2792-6244

ORCID for Lois Woods: orcid.org/0000-0002-4587-9149

ORCID for David Alexander Scott: orcid.org/0000-0001-6475-8046

ORCID for Margaret Macaulay: orcid.org/0000-0003-1737-4589

ORCID for Cathy Murphy: orcid.org/0000-0003-1244-5106

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