Experiences of leg bag users and emerging design priorities.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to explore participants' experiences of urinary incontinence and leg bag use in order to identify priorities for product redesign.


METHODS
Twenty-nine leg bag users and 5 carers and healthcare professionals participated in the study. They were recruited through a UK hospital Trust and a UK-wide charity for people with bladder and bowel control problems.


METHODS
The study employed a descriptive design with qualitative and quantitative elements to determine current experiences with urinary drainage leg bags and identify potential ways to improve their design.


METHODS
Data collection occurred during semistructured face-to-face and telephone semistructured interviews.


RESULTS
Thematic analysis revealed that leg bag design and performance influenced users' relationships, confidence, and ability to socialize. The most significant issues related to leg bag use were reliable functioning without leakage, secure positioning, and discretion when worn under clothing. All participants reported having experienced significant urine leakage due to usability issues with the leg bags.


CONCLUSIONS
Respondents identified a number of design issues with current leg bags that need to be addressed to improve the ease of use and overall experience when using leg bags for containing urinary output. The findings have been used to define design requirements for further development of leg bags and their component parts.
Louise Moody, BSc (Hons), PhD, Director, Centre of Excellence in Product and Automotive Design, Department of Industrial Design, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom. Avril McCarthy, BSc (Hons), PhD, HCPC (Healthcare Professions Council) Registered Clinical Scientist, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and NIHR Devices for Dignity Healthcare Technology Co-operative, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
Louise
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Avril
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D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy*