In 2015, an international panel of experts published ‘IAD: Moving prevention forward,’ a landmark document that summarised best practice principles and provided actionable guidance for clinicians worldwide. This publication catalysed significant changes in clinical practice by introducing standardised definitions and terminology that reshaped how healthcare professionals (HCPs) understand and manage incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). The document was well received globally, became highly cited and informed practice change across multiple healthcare systems. For example, in six clinical settings in Australia, implementation of the 2015 recommendations resulted in significant and sustained improvements in patient outcomes (Barakat-Johnson et al., 2024a; Barakat-Johnson et al., 2024b). Similar impacts have been reported anecdotally in other high-income countries.
At the time of publication, there were major scientific challenges in IAD care, centred on unclear definitions and difficulties in differential diagnosis. Since then, substantial progress has been made. The term IAD is now used more consistently worldwide, with reduced reliance on the imprecise concept of ‘moisture’ reflecting improved conceptual clarity and alignment in clinical practice.
Despite these achievements, misclassification of IAD as pressure ulcer/injury remains a persistent and clinically significant problem, with important implications for appropriate care and treatment. IAD prevention and effective management is key to preventing deeper tissue damage. Over the past decade, a growing body of evidence has further deepened understanding of IAD, increased recognition of its prevalence and impact, and strengthened effective prevention and management strategies.
Importantly, feedback from HCPs across diverse clinical settings and geographical regions has provided valuable real-world insights, reinforcing the necessity of updating the 2015 publication. In response, an international expert meeting was convened in October 2025 to address emerging unmet needs and develop a 2026 update to the original Best Practice Statement (BPS) publication. Additional experts were included to ensure broader global representation and a more inclusive perspective.
The aim of the 2026 update is to synthesise the latest evidence and translate it into practical, clinically relevant guidance to support frontline clinicians, inform quality improvement initiatives and research, and improve patient outcomes. The document reflects both the substantial progress achieved since 2015 and the ongoing need for innovation and refinement in IAD care.
This update seeks to equip HCPs with a clear and comprehensive understanding of the current IAD landscape and its implications for patients and caregivers. It also highlights persistent barriers that prevent optimal IAD management in everyday practice. The overarching objective is to share evidence-based best practices that support identification of at-risk populations, implementation of effective prevention strategies, accurate IAD categorisation and appropriate management approaches. Finally, this publication aims to provide targeted education for HCPs, healthcare staff, policymakers, patients and caregivers to improve outcomes and enhance quality of care.
Professor Dr. Dimitri Beeckman (Chair)
Professor Dr. Michelle Barakat-Johnson (Co-Chair)
