NURS 230: Bed Baths: Soap and Water vs. Disposable Wipes

Abstract This study was conducted to compare traditional soap and water bed baths to the new widely used disposable wet wipes. The purpose of bathing a patient is to remove sweat, oil and dirt from the skin while relaxing and refreshing the patient (Perry, Potter & Ostendorf, 2018). It can also be a social time for patients that are bedridden (Perry, Potter & Ostendorf, 2018). To compare the two methods of bathing analysis of literature on the patients experiences, the application time and workload of nurses, and a cost analysis. Patient experience is compared using the findings of Veje et al. (2019) semi-structured interviews of patients in three different wards of a danish hospital. The application time and workload is effectively compared by Büyükyılmaz & Şendir (2017) study of ICU nurses opinions on the two methods. Cost analysis was also performed by Büyükyılmaz & Şendir (2017) who detailed the cost of equipment and labor for each type of bed bath. The literature regarding cost efficiency and workload support that the disposable wipes are a prefered method. While patient preference leaned more toward the traditional soap and water. However, in specific circumstances patients preferred the wipes because they promoted independence (Veje et al, 2019)