Objective To develop an action-research-based intervention plan for incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) care ability of ICU nurses, and evaluate the effect of the intervention. Methods Using action research method as the framework, we built an IAD care intervention plan through scenario analysis, literature research, group discussion, expert consultation, etc. Then through the cycles of planning, taking action, observation, reflection, we finalized the IAD care intervention plan which suited the context of ICU. Results After 2 rounds of the intervention cycle, the ICU nurses′ IAD care practice was significantly improved（P＜0.05，P＜0.01）, and the incidence rate of IAD saw a significant drop from baseline（P＜0.01 for both）. Conclusion The implementation of the IAD care intervention plan for ICU nurses, which was based on action research, can improve ICU nurses′ IAD care ability and decrease IAD incidence rate of patients.