Development of a bed bath program for older inpatients with edema using a new skin assessment method

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K21157
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0908:Society medicine, nursing, and related fields
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: SHISHIDO Inaho 北海道大学, 保健科学研究院, 助教 (50911210)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-30 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 清潔ケア / スキンケア / 浮腫 / 高齢者

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to identify methods for evaluating the skin condition of older inpatients with edema and to develop a bed bath program that can remove dirt without worsening their skin condition. The results suggest that low-pressure wiping using cotton towels and disposable towels may not worsen the skin barrier function of older patients with cardiogenic edema. In addition, the use of disposable towels, which are increasingly used to prevent infection, suggests that the use of high-density, thick towels can prevent a decrease in towel temperature, allowing for bed bathing to be conducted without significantly lowering skin temperature or causing the inpatient to feel cold, as is the case with cotton towels.

Free Research Field

看護学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

皮膚状態が脆弱と考えられる浮腫を有する高齢入院患者における清拭方法を開発することは、皮膚トラブルやそのことが原因となって生じる感染、乾燥に伴う掻痒感などの苦痛を予防することに貢献し、患者のQOLのみならず医療費の抑制につながることが期待される。