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New study shows infectious bacteria growing in 98% of hospital baths
Hospital patients may be opening themselves up to infection as a result of bathing practices applied in hospitals. According to a study published in the January 2009 American Journal of Critical Care, baths are a significant source for the transmission of hospital acquired infections, especially to patients that are immune-compromised and those at high-risk. It is estimated that 1.75 million to 3.5 million patients admitted to US hospitals, or 5 to 10% of all patients, contract nosocomial or HAIs leading to approximately 100,000 deaths annually.
The study, conducted at intensive care units at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Wishard Health Services in Indianapolis and Westerly Hospital in Westerly, Rhode Island, evaluated 92 baths and found that 98% contained a variety of micro-organisms associated with infection.
Multidrug-resistant organisms that were found, such as the superbug multiple-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vanocomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), S. aureus, Enterococci, gram-negative organisms, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans and E. coli, can lead to conditions including pneumonia, meningitis, septicemia, and urinary tract infections, amongst others - requiring further patient treatment and extended time in the hospital.
Debra Johnson, RN, BSN, OCN, CIC, lead investigator in the study, suggests baths are a reservoir for bacteria and simple steps should be taken to further reduce the potential for infections. Announcing the findings, she said:
"Every single person that walks into a hospital is immune-compromised. That is why it is important that we increase awareness of baths as a source for the transmission of infections. Prevention measures such as rinsing out and wiping baths with antiseptic cleanser or bathing patients using pre-packaged washcloths could significantly reduce patient infections and hospital stays, even deaths due to HAIs. Infection prevention in the ICU and hospital in general must be a priority."
A leading alternative to traditional basin technique are pre-packaged, disposable cleansing washcloths such as the Comfort Bath cleansing system, a first line defence for nurses and caregivers in protecting patients from bacteria, eliminating the use of contaminated baths and basins. The washcloths, manufactured and distributed by Sage Products, also include peel-and-stick Skin Check labels allowing nurses and nurses' aides to pinpoint areas on the body that may need to be checked for potential skin problems.
Beginning last October, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, announced it would no longer provide reimbursement for required care associated with HAIs not reported upon the patient's admission to the hospital. Infection conditions include catheter-association UTI, vascular catheter-associated infection, surgical site infection and pressure ulcers. The CMS guidelines, along with research, are putting additional focus on infection prevention in the US.
Debra Johnson says infection prevention measures are critical in the ICU where cases move quickly and require a passion to protect patients from the unseen.
T: Kym Affinito 1-800-323-2220, ext. 1290
5th February 2009