Quality Improvement: Bath Basins

Quality Improvement: Bath Basins as possible reservoirs for nosocomial infections

Kelly L. Mustillo

University of Central Florida

Professional Nursing

Professor Martin

10 April 2017

For decades, the incidence of hospital acquired infections has continued to rise. “Each year, an estimated 1.75 to 3.5 million patients in the United States, 5% to 10% of all patients admitted to US hospitals annually, contract nosocomial infections. Health care–associated infection (HAI) is linked to nearly 90000 deaths annually, is ranked as the fifth leading cause of death in acute care hospitals, and results in an annual financial burden thought to exceed $6.5 billion.” (Johnson, Lineweaver, & Maze 2009) Numerous interventions have been implemented in effort

“Research has demonstrated the hazards associated with patients’ bath basins and microbial contamination. In a previous study, soap and water bath basins in 3 acute care hospitals were found to be reservoirs for bacteria and potentially associated with the development of hospital-acquired infections. Bacteria grew in 98% of the basin samples; the most common were enterococci (54%), and 32% were gram-negative organisms.” (Powers,

Peed, Burns, and Ziemba-Davis 2012)

To decrease the number of nosocomial infections and improve patient care, I would like to implement the use of prepackaged bath wipes in place of using patient bath basins. The prepackaged Bath wipes ensure easy access. For example, patients that are not able to ambulate to the sink of shower for proper hygiene, are able to implement the bath wipes in or around the bed without difficulty. This also promotes patient independence, which leads to shorter hospital stay and improved overall health. Bath wipes are created and labeled for use on specific body areas to improve skin integrity. Likewise, wipes that are labeled for use on perineal or sacral areas contain moisture barriers to prevent incontinence-associated dermatitis or pressure

To ensure positive patient outcomes, research should be started shortly after. As the research evolves, revisions may be made to ensure patient safety. Additional research should be taken in order to assess nursing/staff satisfaction.

Following the initiation of bath wipes, problems or concerns should be voiced directly to management. Education leaflets should be provided to all patients in order to increase patient compliance and safety. Nursing personnel should actively include patients in teaching about positive outcomes associated with this change. Encourage patients to participate and perform independent care if able. As nurses, we may be the patient’s only advocate, therefore it is vital that nurses listen to the concerns the patient is verbalizing and the nonverbal cues as well.

Patients may feel embarrassed about important issues, this is why creating a trusting relationship is so necessary within the first few minutes of care.

In conclusion, I have addressed the problems associated with nosocomial infection rate and maintenance of skin integrity, caused by bath basins. Nosocomial infection can be defined as

“The rate per 1000 patient acute care days at which patients develop clinically active