Management of incontinence-associated dermatitis: A systematic review of monetary data

The objective was to systematically review monetary data related to management of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in an adult population. Six electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and EconLit. The search string combined index terms and text words related to IAD and monetary data. The quality of the articles was assessed using the consensus on Health Economic Criteria. Results were synthesised narratively because of methodological heterogeneity. Nine studies were included. Only direct medical costs were reported. The product cost per application for prevention ranged between $0.05 and $0.52, and for treatment between $0.20 and $0.35. The product cost per patient/day for prevention ranged between $0.23 and $20.17. The product cost of IAD prevention and treatment per patient/day ranged between $0.57 and $1.08. The cost to treat IAD did not consider the treatment of secondary infection. The calculation of labour cost and total cost differed considerably between studies. Summarising monetary data is a challenge because of heterogeneity in currencies, settings, samples, time horizons, health- and cost outcome valuation, IAD definition and measurements, and included costs. Procedures for health economic evaluations are to be clarified to guarantee valid interpretation and comparison with other studies.

Automated summary

The objective of the study was to systematically review monetary data related to the management of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in an adult population. Results were synthesized narratively due to methodological heterogeneity, with various studies reporting direct medical costs and different product costs for prevention and treatment. Calculations of labor cost and total cost varied considerably between studies, presenting challenges in summarizing monetary data. It is necessary to clarify procedures for health economic evaluations for valid interpretation and comparison with other studies.