Opinions of Intensive Care Nurses: Traditional or Disposable Wipes Bed Bath? A Quasi-Qualitative and Cost Analysis Study

Funda Büyükyılmaz,Merdiye Şendir

doi:10.15344/2394-4978/2017/269

Abstract

Background: This study is to compare the traditional basin with the disposable washcloths bed bath in terms of two outcomes: ICU nurses’ satisfaction/preference and cost analysis. Methods: This is a quasi-qualitative and descriptive study was performed in three ICUs (orthopaedic, neurosurgery, and general surgical) at a university hospital. The sample consisted of 41 ICU nurses agreed to participate in the study. The ICU nurses used a visual analogue scale to respond to the questions about the two types of bed-baths. The researchers conducted interviews with ICU nurses about the two bedbath practices based on open-ended questions. The interview, lasting for 20-30 minutes, was administered during a rest period. A cost analysis was calculated by researchers based on equipment and workload. Results: The application time, workload of nurses, and cost analysis scores favoured the disposable bedbath method (p≤0.05). The traditional bed-bath application scored higher than the disposable washcloth application in parameters (performing, providing communication to the patient, patient feedback, cleanliness, integrity, and softness of skin) (p≤0.01). ICU nurses reported that the three most important parameters that affect the preference for the traditional bed-bath application are communication with patients, patient satisfaction feedback, and the cleanness and integrity of skin. Conclusion: Disposable bed-bath method was performed less time, less workload of nurses, and cost effective than traditional method. Furthermore the ICU nurses preferred the traditional bed bath application. Researchers determined that a bridge between cultural habits and nursing science should be established.

Highlights

Intensive care units (ICUs), in both acute and restorative care settings, provide intensive care for people in a critically ill or unstable condition
ICU nurses reported that the three most important parameters that affect the preference for the traditional bed-bath application are communication with patients, patient satisfaction feedback, and the cleanness and integrity of skin
Researchers determined that a bridge between cultural habits and nursing science should be established

Summary

Introduction

Intensive care units (ICUs), in both acute and restorative care settings, provide intensive care (treatment and monitoring) for people in a critically ill or unstable condition. Advancement of knowledge and innovation development of nursing has introduced several variations of the bed bath [7,8].Some healthcare providers recommend the “disposable wipes bed bath” as an alternative to the traditional bed bath This procedure consists of using a package containing 8-10 pre-moistened, disposable wipes warmed in the microwave or stored in a warmer until use [7]. Coyer et al [10] determined that the primary intervention for personal hygiene was bed baths for mechanically ventilated patients (54.7%).Bed bathing is a nursing ritual and a fundamental therapeutic nursing intervention that improves patient hygiene, removes microbes, and decreases the potential for infection [6,11,12]. This application requires close contact with the patient, use of communication skills

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