Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nursing Care and Patients with Incontinence

This chapter discusses the significant challenges to healthcare and nursing care of incontinent individuals posed by the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide using the experience in Thailand and the United States’ nursing homes as exemplars. In Thailand, the United States, and many other countries, nurses faced increased workloads and stress, reassignments, altered care routines, and shortages of medical supplies. Patients and long-term care residents experienced restricted mobility, social interactions, and family visits due to infection control, physical distancing, and isolation measures, leading to higher rates of numerous problems, including fecal and urinary incontinence, irritant contact dermatitis, pressure injuries, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Despite these challenges, nurses adapted care delivery by leveraging telemedicine, collaborating with volunteer groups, and using donated or reusable supplies. The pandemic highlighted the need for innovative strategies to manage incontinence care effectively, such as government initiatives to provide free absorbent products in Thailand. The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by nurses established a framework for improved incontinence care in future healthcare crises. This chapter also reviews strategies for advanced practice and general staff nurses to re-establish high-quality incontinence care after the pandemic.