The benefits of implementing a new skin care protocol in nursing homes

This study explored the extent to which a new skin care protocol comprising a skin cleanser, barrier cream and barrier film could be implemented in nursing homes, and its effects on patients' skin condition, staff time and associated costs. A pre- and post-intervention study design was used. Data were collected on current skin condition and skin care procedures, before and after the introduction of a new skin care protocol. Nurses and carers were observed as they undertook skin care following episodes of incontinence. The time taken, products and amounts used were recorded. The presence and severity of incontinence dermatitis was recorded, together with the presence and severity of pressure ulceration. A supportive education programme was delivered to staff. All patients with incontinence and all staff working in six nursing homes were included in this study. Two nursing homes were randomly selected to participate in detailed skin assessments, documentation of skin care procedures and product usage. A total of 164 patients were included in detailed assessments, 79 pre-intervention, 85 post-intervention; 49 were male (29.9%) and 115 were female (70.1%). Their mean age was 83.44 years (standard deviation = 8.38). Only 3% of patients were under 70 years of age, with 72% over 80 years of age. Pre-intervention 29.1% were incontinent of urine only, 64.6% were doubly incontinent and 6.3% were catheterised. Post-intervention 29.4% had urinary incontinence, 65.9% were doubly incontinent, and 4.7% were catheterised. Skin condition was maintained or improved using the new skin care protocol. The presence of grade 1 pressure ulcers was found to significantly decrease over time (p = 0.042). The presence of incontinence dermatitis was found to be significantly lower after introducing the skin care protocol (p = 0.021). There was significant reduction in time taken to deliver skin care post-intervention (p < 0.001) with a mean time saving of 4 minutes and 2 seconds, per patient per procedure. On average this procedure was carried out 8.5 times per day, giving a time saving of 34 minutes and 17 seconds per patient per day using the new skin care protocol. This was associated with an average saving per patient per day of 8.83 Pounds for qualified staff and 3.43 Pounds for unqualified staff. Staff adherence to the new skin care protocol was good, with only one observed episode when the protocol was not followed, suggesting a high degree of success in its implementation. This study demonstrated that the introduction of a new skin care protocol, supported by an educational programme, maintained or improved patients' skin condition, and significantly reduced the resources used in delivering nursing care.