What are the risks of contamination for traditional body bath?

Bed bath is a key moment in the hygiene of the dependent patient but can be a source of contamination for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Traditional bed bath carries the risk of infection, particularly because of the materials used, such as towels, dry gloves or basins and water, which are important sources of bacterial contamination. In a study in an American hospital, 62% to 98% of toilet bowls were found contaminated.¹

Indeed, many pathogens such as MRSA, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, E. coli can be present in basin water but also in the environment such as on the gloves of the nursing staff, handled objects, towels…² This constitutes a non-negligible risk factor for fragile patients.

This risk of contamination is even higher in the case of frequent interruptions during the bed bath, since infections can be spread by hands or work clothes³

In addition, HAIs can also be caused through the release of micro-organisms as a result of bed bath with soap and water, which  involves many threats to the integrity of the fragile skin of some patients⁴ .

There is a way to prevent the spread of healthcare associated infections.