Advanced Mist Bath Wheelchair with integrated automatic body drying and sanitization system for enhanced patient care

As global populations age, a growing segment of older adults faces challenges with personal hygiene and reduced caregiver availability. This study presents the design and evaluation of a novel Mist Bath Wheelchair (MBWC) that integrates bathing, sanitization, and drying functionalities to enhance autonomy and hygiene for users with mobility impairments. The MBWC includes a servo-controlled posture adjustment system, an ultrasonic misting unit for bathing, foam-based moisture absorption, heated drying, and joystick-based mobility-all within a single framework. The system aims to address limitations in existing assistive bathing devices, such as high cost, lack of automation, and limited integration. A prototype was developed and tested through lab simulations and user trials involving four aging individuals and four caregivers. Key metrics included thermal comfort, time to achieve warmth, drying duration, and user satisfaction. Results showed reliable temperature maintenance (232 s in rainy conditions; 208 s in winter) and high usability ratings. This integrated solution demonstrates the feasibility of improving assisted bathing through a multifunctional and user-centric design.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe Advanced Mist Bath Wheelchair with an Integrated Automatic Body Drying and Sanitization System enhances hygiene management for individuals with mobility impairments by providing an efficient, touch-free bathing solution, reducing dependency on caregivers.This innovation promotes dignity and independence for users, especially those with severe disabilities, by enabling self-care in daily hygiene routines, thereby improving their quality of life and psychological well-being.The system's automated sanitization feature minimizes the risk of infections in rehabilitation and long-term care settings, contributing to a safer and more hygienic environment for both users and healthcare providers.By integrating assistive technology with rehabilitation care, the wheelchair supports faster recovery and improved mobility outcomes, particularly for patients undergoing post-surgical rehabilitation or those with chronic conditions requiring long-term assistance.