A grab pack approach to incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD): Improving outcomes in the critically ill

Abstract

Over a one-year period, analysis of Riskman incident reports in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) revealed an increase in cases of Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD) among critically ill patients. These patients are at heightened risk due to immobility, incontinence, and compromised nutritional status. Clinicians often struggle to distinguish IAD from early-stage pressure injuries, and there is limited awareness of appropriate prevention and management strategies. Combined with the fast-paced nature of ICU care, accessing the right assessment tools and products at the bedside can be challenging. These findings highlighted the need for a targeted, accessible resource to support timely and accurate IAD identification and treatment.