Can Technology-Assisted Toilets Improve Hygiene and Independence in Geriatric Rehabilitation? A Cohort Study

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Geriatric Rehabilitation
• Interventions: Device: Technology-Assisted Toileting

• Registration Number: NCT02518321
• Lead Sponsor: Bruyere Research Institute

Brief Summary

Toileting is a private activity of daily living. Geriatric rehabilitation patients are often unable to toilet themselves independently, leading to embarrassment and loss of self-esteem. Relationships with their caregivers may also become strained. Furthermore, improper toileting hygiene can lead to skin irritation, breakdown and infection.

Technology-assisted toilets (TATs) clean and dry the anal and vaginal regions using a stream of water and a fan. They can therefore potentially eliminate the need for patients to be able to wipe themselves. TATs are operated using wall-mounted remote controls. This study will examine the potential benefits of TAT use in geriatric rehabilitation patients.

Forty patients aged ≥65 years referred for treatment of physical impairments to the Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit (GRU) of the Elisabeth Bruyère Hospital (EBH) will be recruited for this study. Participants will have a bowel movement on two occasions, once using toilet paper and once using the TAT. The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), a validated questionnaire, will be used to analyze participants' toileting experience. Participants will be visually evaluated for cleanliness before and after each testing session.

The investigators hypothesize that participants will report that, in comparison with use of a standard toilet, toileting using the TAT: 1) is easier to use, 2) improves psychological well-being and 3) is more effective at cleaning than regular wiping techniques.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2015-07
• Study First Submitted: 2015-07-03
• Study Start: 2015-08
• Study First Submitted QC: 2015-08-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-08-05
• Study First Posted: 2015-08-07
• Last Update Posted: 2015-08-07
• Primary Completion: 2015-12
• Study Completion: 2016-03

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 40

Inclusion Criteria

1. over the age of 65
2. inpatients at the EBH GRU
3. can communicate effectively in English or French
4. are able to remain balanced while sitting on a toilet
5. are able to physically use the remote control
6. are able to wipe themselves, but they do not need to be able to wipe themselves effectively

Exclusion Criteria

1. are cognitively unable to provide informed consent
2. are severely aphasic
3. are undergoing treatment that interferes with toileting
4. have any conditions that increase perineal sensitivity such as ulcers, wounds, or infections
5. require two people to assist them in transferring to and from the toilet
6. are under isolation precautions

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Standard Toileting First	Technology-Assisted Toileting	This group will complete the standard toileting trial before the TAT toileting trial.
TAT Toileting First	Technology-Assisted Toileting	This group will complete the TAT toileting trial before the standard toileting trial.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS)	up to 12 weeks	Scale used to assess participants' subjective feelings of adaptability, competence, and self-esteem
Cleanliness Scale	up to 12 weeks	A new scale being piloted to measure cleanliness of the anal/genital regions