No-rinse, one-step bed bath: the effects on the occurrence of skin tears in a long-term care setting

As the population ages, the occurrence of skin tears becomes a common concern for those providing care. Skin tears are painful and increase the cost of caring for residents in long-term care facilities. Records of 29 bed-bound residents at a 72-bed, long-term care facility were reviewed to ascertain the effects of changing from using soap and water to a no-rinse formula for bathing on the occurrence of skin tears. The effect of the bathing change on nursing practice, patient care outcomes, and cost of patient care also were examined. When the new bath procedure was used, the number of skin tears decreased from 13 in the first month to one in the fourth month, affecting both caregiver time and cost. The observed reduction in the occurrence of skin tears was estimated to result in an annual decrease in cost $2,446.