SCA New Continence Care Technology in Final Clearance Stages for U.S. Introduction

SCA, Philadelphia, Pa., USA, this week announced that TENA® Identifi, a new continence care technology, is in the final stages of regulatory clearance for an introduction to the U.S. market. The device, which leverages sensor technology to capture individual voiding patterns, provides caregivers with access to a new level of knowledge and represents a shift toward more individualized continence planning and resident care in acute and long-term-care facilities. TENA Identifi was introduced to the Canadian market in 2013.

 

The continence care technology integrates an innovative data logging and transmitting device with disposable TENA Identifi Sensor Wear to electronically track resident voiding patterns in real-time. Over a 72-hr assessment period, TENA Identifi tracks the voiding patterns and volume at each product change, then graphically converts the data into actionable, evidence-based reports that provide a good base for appropriate product selection. This, in turn, empowers staff and caregivers to make more informed decisions on individual continence care without having to rely on manual recording processes.

 

"Effective continence management can significantly improve patients' health and their quality of life by reducing the risks associated with incontinence, such as urinary tract infections, slips and falls, and skin conditions, and empowering them with confidence, independence, and dignity," said Michael Widera, VP of sales and marketing for SCA Personal Care North America. "As a global leader in continence care, SCA is excited to bring TENA Identifi's revolutionary sensor technology to U.S. care facilities, enabling more informed decisions on continence product selection and toileting programs so care staff can spend more time caring for residents and drive better clinical outcomes."

 

Continence management can place significant demands on staff time, from manually recording voiding patterns and product selection to toileting, laundry, and resident care in case of leakages. Furthermore, it can account for a significant proportion of a facility's budget when the total costs of skin care, laundry, and waste are taken into account.

 

TENA Identifi allows caregivers to make individualized, unbiased and evidence-based decisions in selecting the right incontinence products, absorbency, and toileting times that are critical to providing effective resident care. The right absorbent product means increased dignity and comfort for the resident, helping to prevent leakage and skin irritation.

 

During the assessment, highly absorbent TENA Identifi Sensor Wear replaces traditional incontinence protection. These disposable products track urine voids through safely integrated and thin, thread-like sensors. A silent, reusable TENA Identifi Logger attached to TENA Identifi Sensor Wear records the passage of urine.

 

TENA Identifi operates over the internet, and data is automatically transmitted via 3G signal to a private, secure server, which staff can access to generate reports via the TENA Identifi web portal. The voiding assessment reports graph the data to look for patterns and timings to identify the individual's unique needs. Utilizing standard 3G connectivity and a web portal interface accessible from any computer makes it simple to get started and is easy for care staff to use.

 

SCA plans to trial TENA Identifi in the U.S. prior to widespread launch, following regulatory clearance. The company successfully launched TENA Identifi in Canada in November 2013, providing caregivers at acute and long-term-care facilities across Canada with access to the evidence-based continence managementtechnology.