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

NCT02518321 | Unknown

• 1 other identifier: M16-15-022
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

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.

Conditions

Geriatric Rehabilitation

Keywords

Toileting; Technology-Assisted Toilets; Rehabilitation; Assistive Devices; Activities of Daily Living

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS)

  Scale used to assess participants' subjective feelings of adaptability, competence, and self-esteem

  up to 12 weeks

• Cleanliness Scale

  A new scale being piloted to measure cleanliness of the anal/genital regions

  up to 12 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Standard Toileting First

EXPERIMENTAL

This group will complete the standard toileting trial before the TAT toileting trial.

Device: Technology-Assisted Toileting

TAT Toileting First

EXPERIMENTAL

This group will complete the TAT toileting trial before the standard toileting trial.

Device: Technology-Assisted Toileting

Interventions

Technology-Assisted Toileting DEVICE

Also known as: bidet toilets, smart toilets, TOTO Washlet

Standard Toileting First; TAT Toileting First

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

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

You may not qualify if:

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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Bruyère Health Research Institute.: lead
• University of Ottawa: collaborator
• Bruyère Academic Medical Organization: collaborator
• TOTO USA: collaborator

Study Officials

• Hillel Finestone, MD

  Bruyère Continuing Care, Bruyère Research Institute, Elisabeth Bruyère Hospital, University of Ottawa.

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Hillel Finestone, MD

CONTACT

(613) 562-6094; hfinestone@bruyere.org

David Yachnin, BA

CONTACT

6133149017; dyachnin@bruyere.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 3, 2015
• First Posted: August 7, 2015
• Study Start: August 1, 2015
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2015
• Study Completion: March 1, 2016
• Last Updated: August 7, 2015

Record last verified: 2015-07