Effectiveness of weak wiping pressure during bed baths in hospitalized older adults: A single-blind randomized crossover trial

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of weak wiping pressure on skin barrier function and patient satisfaction in comparison to ordinary pressure in hospitalized older adults. Forty-seven participants in a general hospital were blindly and randomly assigned a sequence of two bed baths: wiping three times with weak pressure (12-14 mmHg) and ordinary pressure (23-25 mmHg). Transepidermal water loss and stratum corneum hydration were measured before and after the intervention, and patient satisfaction was assessed using a Likert scale. Ordinary pressure significantly decreased skin barrier function compared to weak pressure; however, neither of the pressures caused discomfort. Weak pressure was more effective than ordinary pressure in preventing skin disorders and providing satisfaction. Subgroup cluster analysis showed that ordinary pressure was likely to impair the skin barrier function in older adults with diabetes/dyslipidemia and renal dysfunction. The application of weak pressure during bed baths, especially for these patients, is recommended.

Keywords: Aged; Aged 80 and over; Baths; Hygiene; Nursing care; Patients; Skin care.