Clinical Trial: Washing Without Water: Cost-effectiveness of a Rapidly Spreading Nursing Intervention in Bedridden Patients'

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: WASHING WITHOUT WATER Cost-effectiveness of a Rapidly Spreading Nursing Intervention om Bedridden Patients'

Brief Summary:

The purpose of this study is to compare the traditional bed bath with 'washing without water' on

  • 1) effects on skin integrity
  • 2) patient and nurse satisfaction and 3) costs. In a cluster randomized trial we will randomize 50 nursing home wards (576 patients) to 'washing without water' or traditional bed baths. Bathing regimens are continued for six weeks.

Whereas effects on skin damage are not likely to be specific for setting, these results can be generalized to other patient groups.


Detailed Summary:

RAPID IMPLEMENTATION of new interventions while cost-effectiveness and acceptability for patients and care providers are unclear, is never desirable. 'Washing without water' is such an intervention.

The traditional bed bath is executed by using tap water, towels, washcloths and soap. As an alternative, 'WASHING WITHOUT WATER' was recently introduced in the Netherlands. This concept consists of disposable washcloths made of a mix of soft synthetic fibers, saturated with a no rinse, quickly vaporizing skin cleaning and caring lotion. 'WASHING WITHOUT WATER' can be used with all patients who need bathing assistance, especially when taking a shower or sitting in a hot tub is not possible.

However, while several claims are made about the positive effects of 'washing without water' as compared to traditional bathing, EVIDENCE IS LACKING. Also, 'washing without water' is CONTROVERSIAL. While some are eager to adopt the new concept, others see it as 'efficiency gone loose' and denying patients one of the most basic elements of care: a proper bath. This study therefore addresses the cost effectiveness of 'washing without water' in bedridden patients.


Sponsor: Betsie van Gaal

Current Primary Outcome: the primary outcome is prevalence of care associated skin damage [ Time Frame: 6 weeks ]

Skin damage is defined as intertrigo, dermatitis and/or other erythema on skin areas which were not exposed to pressure directly before observation.


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • Patient and nurse satisfaction with bathing technique [ Time Frame: 6 weeks ]
    • patient perceived discomfort during bathing
    • nurse perceived work load
    • observed bathing quality
  • Cost bathing [ Time Frame: 6 weeks ]
    Bathing and skin damage associated costs will be calculated from the costs of bathing and skin care associated staff time and the materials used.


Original Secondary Outcome: Satisfaction [ Time Frame: 6 weeks ]

Secondary outcomes are:

  • patient and nurse satisfaction with bathing technique
  • patient perceived discomfort during bathing;
  • nurse perceived work load
  • observed bathing quality


Information By: Radboud University

Dates:
Date Received: August 23, 2010
Date Started: April 2011
Date Completion:
Last Updated: April 24, 2017
Last Verified: April 2017