10 Exemplars 227
daily plain wipe bathing was the evidence-based intervention chosen for this EBP
project.
Translation
Because the evidence supported the use of plain wipe bathing instead of CHG or
basin bathing to aid in the prevention of CAUTIs, traditional daily basin bathing
was replaced with daily disposable-wipe bathing on one 55-bed adult medical
surgical nursing unit, and monthly CAUTI rates, medical supplies, and laundry
costs were monitored over a 3-month period.
This relatively simple intervention posed no additional risk to patients or staff,
and the target unit CAUTI rate decreased from 1.8/1000 catheter days during
the pre-intervention period to zero following the implementation of disposable-
wipe bathing. Decreased supply and linen utilization led to a savings of $0.16
per patient day, or a potential annual cost savings of $2,630 on the target unit.
Findings were shared with nursing leadership and hospital administration, and in
March 2016 the implementation of nonbasin bathing was adopted throughout
the health system as the standard of care.
Summary
During the 3-month trial of disposable-wipe bathing, bathing times decreased,
staff and patients reported satisfaction with the new bathing process, an overall
cost savings was realized, and zero CAUTIs occurred. Though the transition from
traditional bathing to wipe bathing was challenging for some staff to adjust to,
its ease of use, associated cost savings, CAUTI reduction, time savings to nursing,
and minimal risk supported the successful implementation of daily wipe bathing
into practice. More importantly, a multidisciplinary team with limited knowledge
of the EBP process had an opportunity to learn about EBP, assist in translating
evidence into practice, and implement a practice change that led to improved
clinical outcomes.
