The efficacy of the P-funnel, an external urinary collection device, for females in a hospital setting

Objectives: For females with limited mobility, toileting can be challenging, and effective options that foster independence and continence are few. This study examines the usability and effectiveness of the P-funnel^TM, a new external urinary collection device for females with mobility challenges, and postulates its potential for increasing independence, reducing risks for infection and skin breakdown, and sustaining continence.

Study Design: Prospective, single-center, survey study of hospitalized female volunteers.

Methods: Fourteen hospitalized female patients who met the eligibility criteria were enrolled in this study. Each participant was trained on the use of the P-funnel, performed at least one supine void, then completed a 5-point Likert questionnaire. The survey questions focused on comfort, ease of use, and functionality.

Results: The participant’s average satisfaction rating across the 10 question survey was 4.37 out of 5. For overall comfort, 85.8% of the participants scored the P-funnel as 4 or higher (out of 5). For questions concerning ease of use, 92.9% agreed the device was easy to position, and 85.8% agreed it was not difficult to hold the funnel in place while peeing. While 42.9% of the participants did encounter some leakage during use, 90.9% felt the P-funnel was easier to use than what they were currently using and 100% agreed that they would able to use the device confidently and would recommend it to others.

Conclusions: Overall the P-funnel functioned well with generally high satisfaction scores for ease of use and comfort. And, for females with ambulatory difficulty, it has the potential to increase independence and reduce the hazards associated with toileting.