SCA has just announced the impending U.S. introduction of Tena Identifi, a new sensor-based technology for continence care, which is undergoing the final stages of regulatory clearance in the U.S.

Tena Identifi leverages sensor technology to electronically track individuals’ urine voiding patterns, then converts this data into graphical reports, providing acute and long-term-care facilities with more accurate assessments of their residents’ incontinence patterns and enabling more individualized continence care.

So how does it work?

First, disposable incontinence briefs— Tena Identifi Sensor Wear—worn by residents are embedded with thread-like sensors that electronically track urine voiding patterns in real-time.

During a 72-hour assessment period, data is collected on voiding patterns and the volume of the void; an innovative data logging and transmitting device integrated with the brief graphically converts the data into reports that outline incontinence patterns and timings for each individual.

These reports in turn provide caregivers with better knowledge of resident needs, helping them make unbiased and informed decisions on the right incontinence products, absorbency and toileting times for residents. All this hopefully results in improved resident quality of life and dignity, better clinical outcomes, and reduced risks associated with incontinence, such as urinary tract infections, slips and falls, and skin conditions.

With incontinence a huge factor faced by an aging population and a complicated and costly part of facility care, Tena Identifi takes manual incontinence assessment for residents and instruments it, reducing cost and staff time spent on these processes and allowing more time to care for residents.

“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,” says Michael Widera, vice president of sales and marketing for SCA Personal Care North America.

Tena Identifi operates over the Internet whereby 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.

“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,” says Widera.

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 and has also recently launched in Denmark with successful results.