Thursday, November 19
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Incontinence Products: Ensuring Safety and Quality to Aging Adults
The impact of incontinence on adults in the US is well documented. However, there is little agreement about exactly how prevalent bladder and bowel dysfunction really are. Recently, it was reported that there are nearly 30 million adults suffering with symptoms of Overactive Bladder (OAB) and maybe an additional 30 million suffering with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). These figures suggest that incontinence is more prevalent than diabetes, cancer and asthma combined. Even more concerning is that the aging population would suggest these figures will continue to increase. There are a variety of treatment options available to help manage incontinence, but usually first line therapy is disposable absorbent products. These products are widely available and range in size, shape, level of protection, cost and effectiveness. For those individuals on Medicaid support the options are limited to those selected by local state programs. Without a set of recognizable national quality standards, the states have typically evaluated suppliers primarily by price. NAFC worked to create a consensus-based organization (The Absorbent Task Force) comprised of industry manufacturers, health care providers and members of state Health and Human Services. The objective of the ATF was to establish scientifically based recommendations for quality disposable absorbent products. The NAFC Quality Standards include recommendations for each of the following: 1) rate of absorption 2) rewet, 3) breathability, 4) elasticity, 5) total retention capacity. In addition, the NAFC quality standards recommended that standards be established for safety, sizing and sizing options as well as closure systems and absorbent levels.
ยป Steven Gregg
Executive Director, National Association For Continence
BIOGRAPHY
Joining at the start of 2014, Steve brings a wealth of business experience to the leadership of the NAFC. During his career he has focused on helping companies to drive profitable growth through the creation of mutually beneficial relationships between companies and their stakeholders, partners and customers. His goal-oriented approach provides foundation for the productive alignment of business strategies and tactics to key business challenges and opportunities.Prior to joining NAFC, Steve led marketing and communication initiatives within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, consumer packaged goods and technology industries for over twenty companies. His career has ranged from scientific investigation for a global sports beverage to global brand management for Fortune 100 companies. In terms of philanthropic interests, Steve has served on the board of directors of the International Swimming Hall of Fame as well as provide strategic guidance to Swim Across America, an organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events.
Steve joined the world of business from a faculty position at the University of California at Berkeley (where he received his Ph.D. in exercise biochemistry-physiology). His bachelor's degree is from North Carolina State University, and his master's, the University of Arizona. Beyond academic and professional sphere, Steve is an accomplished swimmer. During his swimming career, he has medaled in nearly every major world event, including two World Aquatic Championships, the Pan-American Games, the FINA Cup (now know as the Pan-Pacific Championship, and the Olympic Games.
