Implementing a Basinless Bathing System Without Pre-Packaged Disposable Washcloths

Background: In 1992, a Connecticut hospital used basinless bathing as a “make your own system”, then progressed to a disposable pre-packaged product. In 2013, the hospital joined a large, newly formed purchasing coalition for economic reasons.  As a result, the option of pre-packaged disposable washcloths was removed, which would have forced a return to traditional bathing using standard washcloths and basins. The literature does not support using basins for hygiene nursing interventions, because they support bacterial growth and environmental contamination.^1-3 Additionally, traditional bathing methods with standard washcloths damage the skin barrier.⁴ The skin team was challenged to devise a method to safely perform patient bathing while simultaneously working with the purchasing coalition to examine clinical implications of the formulary .

Objective: Provide an evidenced-based, yet easily accepted alternative to provide basinless patient bathing without access to the pre-packaged disposable washcloth.

Description: The skin care team reviewed the literature on basinless bathing to determine clinical criteria and outcome measures.⁵ Working within the limited products choices outlined by the purchasing coalition, the skin team developed processes and implemented short cycle trials to gauge staff and patient acceptability.

Outcome: One method of basinless bathing was found after five attempts .The goals of high staff and patient acceptability, no increase in infection rates or rash development  and overall lower costs were met.