TOPIC:

Morbid obesity, Bariatrics, is a national healthcare concern. The prevalence nearly doubled in the last two decades. The WOCN Clinical Practice committee formed a Bariatric sub-committee to meet the needs for knowledge. Their mission is to development national guidelines to direct care for bariatric issues. However the review of literature revealed that knowledge originated only from expert opinion and not research findings.

PURPOSE:

• Develop survey on the skin care needs of the Bariatric person.
• Compose best practice document for Bariatric skin care

METHODOLOGY: The survey was developed from committee member expertise and current literature. Eight areas of focus included personal hygiene in the home, hygiene in healthcare facilities, bathing, toileting, skin folds, odor, male penile cleaning, and patient resources. Phase one: A pilot study was conducted utilizing a convenience sample. An outpatient setting provided fifteen (15) clients, primarily post-Bariatric surgery. The survey was completed in the privacy of the home and mailed back. Phase two: Based on the pilot study, the survey was revised. Fifty additional subjects were surveyed. The setting varied but was primarily in a skilled nursing facility specializing in persons with Bariatric needs. Phase two purpose is validation of the survey. Statistic methods at present are primarily averages and qualitative methods of analysis RESULTS: Phase One: Bathing: Showers preferred, Equipment: Hand-held showerhead, brush on long handle, large bathing sponge, and shower bench/stool. Toileting: question revised Hygiene in Healthcare Facilities: “no nurse offered to help…Felt they were too busy to offer.” Skin Fold: 80% problems with skin folds Odor: 100% with problem Male penile cleaning: Only one male, Problem: “Folds along legs next to scrotum Patient Resources: 87% learned from personal experience Phase Two data to be analyzed. CONCLUSION: Research on the skin care needs of the person with Bariatric issues provides evidence-based knowledge.