Evidence shows that caregivers time and ergonomic workload can be reduced – and job satisfaction increased – by choosing products that are easy to use. We call this usability.
Usability is a product-evaluation method that measures how well a product contributes to effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in real use.1
This first ever clinical study proves that choosing an incontinence product with high usability makes it easier for carers to change products which saves time and effort.2
When the right product is selected for each individual user, this can lead to improved quality of care and result in better resource management.
TENA Flex and TENA Pants consistently received higher usability score than other product types. [3]
Up to 13 weeks of caregiver time saved annually4
Carers save a significant amount of valuable time during product changes by using highly usable products. This not only improves care efficiency, but carers can also refocus their time to meet their patients' and residents' individual needs.
Up to 9 weeks of back bends saved annually4
Highly usable products reduce physical strain on caregivers during product changes. This in turn can reduce injury, reduce sick leave, and reduce temporary staff costs.
Happier, healthier, more satisfied staff
Highly usable products are likely to improve carers' job satisfaction and working environment.
"Efficiencies in handling and changing users should allow caregivers to refocus their time and better meet a person’s care needs so as to improve quality of life in both individuals and caregivers."
Download the unique scientific study into the usability of absorbent incontinence products, first published in Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Nursing in 2018.
And download a factsheet for an easy and clear overview of the usability study’s outcomes and benefits!
This study was facilitated by TENA and performed by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden.5
Types of changes
Caregivers measured product usability during both standing and lying changes on a resident. Each action type was associated with a load on the spine based on the postures that the legs, arms and trunk are in, and the weight the person has in his or her hands. For example, during a turnover, the trunk was moderately flexed, the arms over 60°, and the weight in hand more than 22.68 kg
Product types tested
Four incontinence product types were tested: belted TENA Flex, TENA Pants, all-in-one and fixation pants.
Usability metrics
Products were evaluated by effectiveness (fit), efficiency (carers' time on task and workload) and satisfaction (using a subjective questionnaire).
Get in touch and find out how usability can help you choose the right tools for your carers.
TENA, a brand of Essity - a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2023, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 147bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.
