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

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.