Reducing Hospitalizations and Multidrug-Resistant Organisms via Regional Decolonization in Hospitals and Nursing Homes.

Importance: Infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, length of hospitalization, and health care costs. Regional interventions may be advantageous in mitigating MDROs and associated infections. Objective: To evaluate whether implementation of a decolonization collaborative is associated with reduced regional MDRO prevalence, incident clinical cultures, infection-related hospitalizations, costs, and deaths. Design, Setting, and Participants: This quality improvement study was conducted from July 1, 2017, to July 31, 2019, across 35 health care facilities in Orange County, California. Exposures: Chlorhexidine bathing and nasal iodophor antisepsis for residents in long-term care and hospitalized patients in contact precautions (CP). Main Outcomes and Measures: Baseline and end of intervention MDRO point prevalence among participating facilities; incident MDRO (nonscreening) clinical cultures among participating and nonparticipating facilities; and infection-related hospitalizations and associated costs and deaths among residents in participating and nonparticipating nursing homes (NHs). Results: Thirty-five facilities (16 hospitals, 16 NHs, 3 long-term acute care hospitals [LTACHs]) adopted the intervention. Comparing decolonization with baseline periods among participating facilities, the mean (SD) MDRO prevalence decreased from 63.9% (12.2%) to 49.9% (11.3%) among NHs, from 80.0% (7.2%) to 53.3% (13.3%) among LTACHs (odds ratio [OR] for NHs and LTACHs, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.40-0.57), and from 64.1% (8.5%) to 55.4% (13.8%) (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60-0.93) among hospitalized patients in CP. When comparing decolonization with baseline among NHs, the mean (SD) monthly incident MDRO clinical cultures changed from 2.7 (1.9) to 1.7 (1.1) among participating NHs, from 1.7 (1.4) to 1.5 (1.1) among nonparticipating NHs (group × period interaction reduction, 30.4%; 95% CI, 16.4%-42.1%), from 25.5 (18.6) to 25.0 (15.9) among participating hospitals, from 12.5 (10.1) to 14.3 (10.2) among nonparticipating hospitals (group × period interaction reduction, 12.9%; 95% CI, 3.3%-21.5%), and from 14.8 (8.6) to 8.2 (6.1) among LTACHs (all facilities participating; 22.5% reduction; 95% CI, 4.4%-37.1%). For NHs, the rate of infection-related hospitalizations per 1000 resident-days changed from 2.31 during baseline to 1.94 during intervention among participating NHs, and from 1.90 to 2.03 among nonparticipating NHs (group × period interaction reduction, 26.7%; 95% CI, 19.0%-34.5%). Associated hospitalization costs per 1000 resident-days changed from $64 651 to $55 149 among participating NHs and from $55 151 to $59 327 among nonparticipating NHs (group × period interaction reduction, 26.8%; 95% CI, 26.7%-26.9%). Associated hospitalization deaths per 1000 resident-days changed from 0.29 to 0.25 among participating NHs and from 0.23 to 0.24 among nonparticipating NHs (group × period interaction reduction, 23.7%; 95% CI, 4.5%-43.0%). Conclusions and Relevance: A regional collaborative involving universal decolonization in long-term care facilities and targeted decolonization among hospital patients in CP was associated with lower MDRO carriage, infections, hospitalizations, costs, and deaths.

Resiliência: avaliação de pacientes queimados em um hospital de urgência e emergência / Resilience: evaluation of burned patients in an urgency and emergency hospital / Resiliencia: evaluación de pacientes quemados en un hospital de urgencias y emergencias

A recuperação de vítimas de queimaduras é longa e dolorosa e afeta diversas esferas da vida do paciente. A resiliência, que se refere à capacidade humana de enfrentar e se adaptar a eventos adversos, exerce grande importância no processo de recuperação da queimadura. Logo, este trabalho objetiva avaliar a capacidade de resiliência de pacientes queimados, no momento da admissão e da alta hospitalar, em um hospital de emergência e urgência de Goiânia. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, quantitativo e transversal que utiliza a Escala de Resiliência de Connor-Davidson (CD-RISC) como instrumento de mensuração. Na admissão hospitalar, a média da resiliência foi de 71,35, tendo sido observada uma relação significativa entre o fator Amparo da escala CD-RISC e a presença do(a) companheiro(a). O escore de resiliência encontrado nesta pesquisa é consistente com outros achados da literatura científica internacional e nacional referente à expressão da resiliência em vítimas de queimaduras e outros adoecimentos. A relação entre o fator Amparo e a presença de um(a) companheiro(a) enfatiza a importância da rede de apoio familiar na reabilitação do paciente queimado.(AU)

The recovery of burned patients is long and painful and impacts on different areas of people's lives. Resilience, which refers to the human capacity to face and adapt to adverse events, plays a major role in the process of recovery from burns. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the resilience of burned patients, on admission and hospital discharge, in an emergency and urgency hospital in Goiânia. This is a descriptive, quantitative and cross-sectional study that uses the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD RISC) as a measuring instrument. At hospital admission, the mean resilience was 71.35, with a significant association between the Support factor on the CD RISC scale and the presence of a partner. The resilience score found in the present study is consistent with other findings in the international and national scientific literature regarding the expression of resilience in victims of burns and other illnesses. The relationship between the Support factor and the presence of a partner emphasizes the importance of the family support network in the rehabilitation of the burned patient.(AU)

La recuperación de los pacientes quemados es larga y dolorosa e impacta en diferentes esferas de la vida de las personas. La resiliencia, que se refiere a la capacidad humana para enfrentar y adaptarse a eventos adversos, juega un papel importante en el proceso de recuperación de las quemaduras. Por tanto, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la resiliencia de los pacientes quemados, en el momento del ingreso y el alta, en un hospital de emergencia y urgencia en Goiânia. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo y transversal que utiliza la Escala de Resiliencia Connor-Davidson (CD RISC) como instrumento de medida. Al ingreso hospitalario, la resiliencia media fue de 71,35, con associación significativa entre el factor Amparo de la escala CD RISC y la presencia de pareja. El puntaje de resiliencia encontrado en el presente estudio es consistente con otros hallazgos en la literatura científica nacional e internacional sobre la expresión de resiliencia en víctimas de quemaduras y otras enfermedades. La relación entre el factor Amparo y la presencia de pareja enfatiza la importancia de la red de apoyo familiar en la rehabilitación del paciente quemado.(AU)

Health care staff perceptions of gaps and education needs for patient-led preoperative hygiene using chlorhexidine gluconate skin cleansing products.

Through survey-led interviews, health care staff recognizes that patients have different bathing techniques and need more education on chlorhexidine gluconate cleansing. Preliminary findings gathered will be used to develop and test electronic competency-based tools to ensure patients are provided with the same comprehensive instructions before using chlorhexidine gluconate bathing products.

Validação de vídeo instrucional sobre banho de ofurô em recém-nascido pré-termo para enfermeiros / Validación de video instructivo sobre baño de ofuro en recién nacido prematuro para enfermeros / Validation of an instructional video for nurses about hot tub bath for preterm newborns

Resumo Objetivo Produzir um vídeo instrucional para enfermeiros sobre o banho de ofurô em recém-nascidos pré-termo e validar seu conteúdo. Método Estudo metodológico de desenvolvimento tecnológico com ênfase na validação de conteúdo, conduzido em três etapas: revisão exploratória da literatura, produção da tecnologia educacional do tipo vídeo instrucional e validação por especialistas. Os dados foram sistematizados e organizados em planilhas e as análises foram conduzidas no pacote estatístico R. Para validar o conteúdo, aplicaram-se o Índice Kappa, para medir a concordância entre as respostas, e o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo, para estimar a representatividade do item. Resultados As publicações sobre a técnica (n=3) identificadas na revisão de literatura foram utilizadas para a produção do vídeo. O vídeo simula o cuidado em unidade neonatal e tem duração de 13 minutos. No processo de validação, o vídeo foi considerado, no geral, com representatividade de conteúdo adequada e obteve índice de concordância entre as respostas quase perfeito. Dois itens foram avaliados como "adequados com alterações" e modificados. Conclusão e implicações para a prática O material produzido foi considerado adequado para ser utilizado na capacitação de enfermeiros sobre a técnica e compartilhamento de informações, contribuindo para o cuidado de enfermagem humanizado e seguro em unidades neonatais.

Resumen Objetivo Producir un video instructivo para enfermeros sobre el baño de ofuro en recién nacidos prematuros y validar su contenido. Método Estudio metodológico de desarrollo de tecnología con énfasis en la validación de contenido, realizado en tres etapas: revisión exploratoria de la literatura, producción de tecnología educativa de tipo video instructivo y validación por expertos. Los datos fueron sistematizados y organizados en hojas de cálculo y los análisis se realizaron en el paquete estadístico R. Para validar el contenido se aplicó el Índice Kappa para medir la concordancia entre las respuestas y el Índice de Validez del Contenido para estimar la representatividad del ítem. Resultados Para la producción del video se utilizaron publicaciones sobre la técnica (n = 3) identificadas en la revisión de la literatura. El video simula la atención en una unidad neonatal y tiene una duración de 13 minutos. En el proceso de validación, el video se consideró, en general, con adecuada representación de contenido y con un índice de concordancia casi perfecto entre las respuestas. Dos ítems se evaluaron como "adecuados con cambios" y se modificaron. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica El material producido fue considerado por los especialistas como adecuado para uso en la formación de enfermeros sobre la técnica y el intercambio de información, contribuyendo para la atención de enfermería humanizada y segura en las unidades neonatales.

Abstract Objective To produce an instructional video for nurses about hot tub bath for preterm newborns and to validate its content. Method Methodological study of technological development with emphasis on content validation, conducted in three stages: exploratory literature review, production of an instructional video educational technology and expert validation. The data were systematized and organized in spreadsheets and the analyses were carried out in the statistical package R. For content validation, the Kappa Index was calculated to measure response agreement and the Content Validity Index was employed to estimate item representativeness. Results Publications about the technique (n=3) identified in the literature review were used for video production. The video simulates care in a neonatal unit and lasts 13 minutes. In the validation process, the video was considered, in general, to have an adequate content representation and had an almost perfect response agreement index. Two items were assessed as "adequate after revision" and modified. Conclusion and implication for the practice The produced material was considered by the experts as suitable for use in training nurses on the technique and sharing information, contributing to a humanized and safe nursing care in neonatal units.

Custo do desperdício de materiais: punção venosa periférica e banho no leito / Costo del desperdicio de materiales: venopunción periférica y baño en cama / The cost of medical supply waste: peripheral venipuncture and bed baths

Resumo Objetivo Mensurar o custo dos materiais desperdiçados em dois procedimentos de enfermagem; identificar o desperdício como evitável e não evitável; classificar esses materiais de acordo com a classificação ABC e estimar o custo anual com o desperdício desses materiais. Métodos Estudo quantitativo, exploratório-descritivo, do tipo estudo de caso único. Os dados foram coletados de março de 2016 a fevereiro de 2017 em duas unidades de um Hospital Universitário na cidade de São Paulo. Fizeram parte da amostra os procedimentos de enfermagem: Punção Venosa Periférica e Banho no Leito. O desperdício de materiais foi calculado pela soma do custo de cada item de material desperdiçado. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente quanto às frequências absolutas e relativas, por média e desvio padrão. Resultados O total com desperdício de materiais na Punção venosa periférica foi R$ 27,20 (US$ 7.31), sendo o custo "evitável" de R$ 3,50 (US$ 0.94) e R$ 23,70 (US$ 6.37) para o "não evitável". O total com desperdício de materiais no Banho no leito foi R$ 214,63 (US$ 57.73), sendo o custo de R$ 149,59 (US$ 40.24) para os materiais com classificação "evitável" e R$ 65,04 (US$ 17.49) para os "não evitável". A maioria dos materiais desperdiçados, acima de 70%, foram da classe A nos dois procedimentos. A projeção do custo anual com desperdício de materiais foi R$ 83.858,53 (US$ 22,557.94). Conclusão O desperdício de materiais mostrou comportamento distinto nos procedimentos observados, sinalizando a necessidade de serem identificados, analisados e calculados para que os enfermeiros tomem decisões com eficiência.

Resumen Objetivo Medir el costo de los materiales desperdiciados en dos procedimientos de enfermería, identificar el desperdicio evitable y no evitable, clasificar esos materiales de acuerdo con la clasificación ABC y estimar el costo anual del desperdicio de esos materiales. Métodos Estudio cuantitativo, exploratorio-descriptivo, tipo estudio de caso único. Los datos fueron recopilados de marzo de 2016 a febrero de 2017 en dos unidades de un hospital universitario en la ciudad de São Paulo. Los procedimientos de enfermería que formaron parte de la muestra fueron: venopunción periférica y baño en cama, El desperdicio de materiales fue calculado por la suma del costo de cada ítem de material desperdiciado. Los datos fueron analizados descriptivamente con relación a las frecuencias absolutas y relativas por promedio y desviación típica. Resultados El total del desperdicio de materiales en la venopunción periférica fue de R$ 27,20 (USD 7,31), del cual el costo "evitable" fue de R$ 3,50 (USD 6,37) y el "no evitable" de R$ 23,70 (USD 6,37). El total del desperdicio de materiales en el baño en cama fue de R$ 214,63 (USD 57,73), del cual el costo de R$ 149,59 (USD 40,24) fue de material clasificado como "evitable" y R$ 65,04 (USD 17,49) de "no evitable". La mayoría del material desperdiciado, más del 70 %, fue de clase A en los dos procedimientos. La proyección del costo anual del desperdicio de materiales fue de R$ 83.858,53 (USD 22.557,94). Conclusión El desperdicio de materiales mostró diferentes comportamientos en los procedimientos observados, lo que indicó la necesidad de que sean identificados, analizados y calculados para que los enfermeros tomen decisiones con eficiencia.

Abstract Objective To measure the costs of medical supply waste in two nursing procedures; to define waste into avoidable and unavoidable; to classify these materials according to the ABC classification and estimate the annual cost of these types of medical supply waste. Methods This was a quantitative, exploratory-descriptive single case study. Data were collected between March 2016 and February 2017 in two units of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The following nursing procedures composed the sample: peripheral venipuncture and bed baths. Medical supply waste was calculated as the sum of the cost of each item of wasted materials. The data were analyzed descriptively in terms of absolute and relative frequencies, average, and standard deviation. Result The total of medical supply waste of peripheral venipuncture was R$ 27.20 (US$ 7.31) of which R$ 3.50 (US$ 0.94) were "avoidable", R$ 23.70 (US$ 6.37), "unavoidable". The total volume of waste for bed baths was R$ 214,63 (US$ 57.73), of which R$ 149.59 (US$ 40.24) were "avoidable" and R$ 65.04 (US$ 17.49) "unavoidable". More than 70% of the wasted supplies were class A materials in both procedures. The projected annual cost of medical supply waste was R$ 83,858.53 (US$ 22,557.94). Conclusion Medical supply waste presented a distinct behavior in the observed procedures, which points to the need for it to be identified, analyzed and calculated for nurses to make decisions efficiently.

Desenvolvimento de tecnologia educacional para familiares sobre o banho de ofurô no domicílio para recém-nascidos / Development of educational technology for family members about the hot tub at home for newborns / Desarrollo de tecnología educativa para familiares sobre el baño de ofuro en casa para recién nacidos

Objetivo: Desenvolver uma tecnologia educacional para familiares sobre o banho de ofurô no domicílio em RN. Método: Estudo metodológico de desenvolvimento tecnológico, realizado em três etapas: revisão da literatura, produção tecnológica, validação de conteúdo a partir da manifestação de juízes-especialistas. Coleta de dados por meio de instrumento com escala de Likert. Análise dos dados por aplicação do Índice Kappa e do Índice de Validade de Conteúdo. Resultados: Na etapa de revisão emergiram os temas geradores. Na etapa de produção obteve-se um livro ilustrado digital intitulado "Banho de Ofurô em Casa: Guia de Orientação aos Pais e Familiares de Recém-Nascidos Prematuros e com Baixo Peso". Na etapa de validação verificou-se que a tecnologia é válida e adequada, apresentando informações coerentes com a literatura, organizadas de forma objetiva e clara, contendo descrição detalhada da técnica, com ilustrações expressivas e sincrônicas com o texto. Conclusão: A tecnologia desenvolvida revelou-se válida para a preparação dos familiares para a alta e, com potencial para a difusão do conhecimento quanto ao cuidado neonatal. (AU)

Objective: To develop an educational technology for family members about the hot tub bathing at home for premature and/ or low weight newborns. Methods: Methodological study of technological development, carried out in three stages: literature review, technological production, content validation based on the opinion of 17 expert judges. Data collection using a Likert scale instrument. In the data analysis, the Kappa Index and Content Validity Index were applied. Results: In the review stage, the generating themes emerged. In the production stage, a digital illustrated book was obtained entitled "Bath of Ofuro at Home: Orientation Guide for Parents and Family of Premature and Low Weight Newborns". In the validation stage, it was found that the technology is valid and adequate, presenting information consistent with the literature, organized in an objective and clear manner, containing a detailed description of the technique, with expressive and synchronous illustrations with the text. Conclusion: The technology developed proved to be valid for the preparation of family members for discharge and, with the potential for the dissemination of knowledge regarding neonatal care. (AU)

Objetivo: Desarrollar una tecnología educativa para familiares sobre el baño de ofuro en casa para recién nacidos prematuros y/o de bajo peso. Métodos: Estudio metodológico del desarrollo tecnológico, realizado en tres etapas: revisión de literatura, producción tecnológica, validación de contenido en base a la opinión de 17 jueces expertos. Recolección de datos utilizando un instrumento de escala Likert. En el análisis de datos se aplicó el Índice Kappa y el Índice de Validez de Contenido. Resultados: En la etapa de revisión surgieron los temas generadores. En la etapa de producción se obtuvo un libro ilustrado digital titulado "Baño de ofuro en casa: Guía de Orientación para Padres y Familia de Recién Nacidos Prematuros y de Bajo Peso". En la etapa de validación, se encontró que la tecnología es válida y adecuada, presentando información consistente con la literatura, organizada de manera objetiva y clara, conteniendo una descripción detallada de la técnica, con ilustraciones expresivas y sincrónicas con el texto. Conclusión: La tecnología desarrollada demostró ser válida para la preparación de los familiares para el alta y, con potencial para la difusión de conocimientos sobre la atención neonatal. (AU)

The Effect of Two Bed Bath Practices in Cost and Vital Signs of Critically Ill Patients.

By promoting personal hygiene and improving comfort, bed baths can decrease the risk of infection and help maintain skin integrity in critically ill patients. Current bed-bathing practices commonly involve the use of either soap and water (SAW) or disposable wipes (DWs). Previous research has shown both bed-bathing methods are equally effective in removing dirt, oil, and microorganisms. This experimental study compared the cost, staff satisfaction, and effects of two bed-bathing practices on critically ill patients' vital signs. We randomly assigned 138 participants into 2 groups: an experimental group that received bed baths using DWs and a control group that received bed baths using SAW. We compared the bath duration, cost, vital sign trends, and nursing staff satisfaction between the two groups. We used the chi-square test and t-test for the statistical analysis, and we expressed the quantitative data as mean and standard deviation. Our results showed the bed baths using DWs had a shorter duration and lower cost than those using SAW. There were no significant differences in the vital sign trends between the two groups. The nursing staff preferred to use DWs over SAW. This study can help clinical nursing staff decide which method to use when assisting patients with bed baths.

A safer, less costly SSI prevention protocol-Universal versus targeted preoperative decolonization.

Surgical site infection after total joint replacement results in significant patient suffering and health care costs. To reduce the risk of surgical site infection after total joint procedures, 1 hospital instituted preoperative universal nasal and skin decolonization, using an alcohol based nasal antiseptic and chlorhexidine bathing. This resulted in reduced infection rates, and associated patient morbidity and costs to the facility.

Implementation of chlorhexidine gluconate bathing to reduce HAIs.

A nurse leader-led evidence-based practice change.

Dispositivo pre-humedecido de remoción y exfoliación corporal para aseo de pacientes / Pre-moistened body removal and exfoliation device for patient cleaning

INTRODUCCIÓN: La asistencia para el aseo personal, incluido el baño, es una actividad clave de enfermería que se considera relacionada con la calidad de vida y la calidad de la atención. Sin embargo, se argumenta que el baño de cama (o en cama de hospitalización) con agua, jabón, toallas y jarrones tiene algunos resultados adversos. A. Cuadro clínico: Se ha reportado que, con respecto a la percepción de los pacientes, éstos se pueden sentir incómodos durante el baño de cama tradicional desencadenando comportamiento de agitación o agresividad. B. Tecnología sanitária: El dispositivo pre-humedecido de remoción y exfoliación corporal es un guante de relieve no tejido, suave y embebido (ambos lados) de una loción limpiadora hipoalergénica que no necesita enjuague y que no contiene jabón ni alcohol. Se encuentra revestida interiormente con una película interior plástica a prueba de agua para proteger las manos del usuario. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad, así como documentos relacionados a la decisión de cobertura del dispositivo pre-humedecido de remoción y exfoliación corporal para aseo de pacientes. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una búsqueda en las principales bases de datos bibliográficas: MEDLINE, LILACS, COCHRANE, así como en buscadores genéricos de Internet incluyendo Google Scholar y TRIPDATABASE. Adicionalmente, se hizo una búsqueda dentro de la información generada por las principales instituciones internacionales de enfermería y agencias de tecnologías sanitarias que realizan revisiones sistemáticas (RS), evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS) y guías de práctica clínica (GPC). RESULTADOS: Se seleccionó una RS de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados publicada en el año 2017. La búsqueda de la RS se realizó desde el año 1994 hasta febrero del 2016. Todos los estudios recabados fueron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados cruzados. Se incluyeron seis estudios que, si bien no todos incluyen específicamente a nuestra tecnología de interés, evidencian que los dispositivos descartables sin necesidad de agua y jabón no presentan diferencias relacionados con lesiones cutáneas significativas, resistencia o incomodidad durante el baño y costos comparados con el aseo tradicional. Al actualizar la búsqueda no se encontraron otros estudios que compararan el dispositivo pre-humedecido de remoción y exfoliación corporal versus el aseo tradicional. CONCLUSIONES: La evidencia comparativa con respecto al dispositivo pre-humedecido de remoción y exfoliación corporal es escasa y de buena calidad. Basados en ensayos aleatorizados cruzados (cross-over trials) se evidencia que no hay diferencia entre la prevalencia de lesiones de la piel comparado con el aseo tradicional. Además, un estudio evidencia que la frecuencia de aseos completos es mayor con el dispositivo pre-humedecido de remoción y exfoliación corporal. Con respecto a la preferencia de los pacientes y cuidadores de salud, se evidencia que más del 60% prefiere el uso de estos dispositivos comparado con el procedimiento de aseo tradicional. No se encontraron evaluaciones de tecnología sanitarias, guías de práctica clínica o evaluaciones económicas de la región que mencionaran específicamente al dispositivo pre-humedecido de remoción y exfoliación corporal para el aseo de pacientes.

You get back what you give: Decreased hospital infections with improvement in CHG bathing, a mathematical modeling and cost analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have shown that bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) wipes reduces hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). We employed a mathematical model to assess the impact of CHG patient bathing on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), and hospital-onset Clostridium difficile (C diff) infections and the associated costs. METHODS: Using a Markov chain, we examined the effect of CHG bathing compliance on HAI outcomes and the associated costs. Using estimates from 2 different studies on CHG bathing effectiveness for CLABSI, CAUTI, and C diff, the number of HAIs per year were estimated along with associated costs. The simulations were conducted, assuming CHG bathing at varying compliance rates. RESULTS: At 32% reduction in HAI incidence, increasing CHG bathing compliance from 60% to 90% results in 20 averted infections and $815,301.75 saved cost. CONCLUSIONS: As CHG bathing compliance increases, yearly HAIs decrease, and the overall cost associated with the HAIs also decreases.

[Stress-relieving Effect of Hot Spring Baths in Macaques].

Hot spring baths during winter are beneficial as they lower stress levels. A group of Japanese macaques from Jigokudani Monkey Park is unique for their regular hot spring baths in winter. To understand short-term and long-term impacts of this unique behavior, a multivariate approach should account for their social organization, life history, and the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in the stress response. This article reviews the behavioral and physiological strategies of non-human primates for thermoregulation, the effect of cold and stress on the body, particularly the brain, with a focus on the social dynamics and reproductive strategies of the Japanese macaques.

Preliminary assessment of the suitability of commonly used antiseptics in the elimination of bacteria in bathing water.

The use of antiseptics for the removal of bacteria in water has become pertinent given that most hand dug wells, boreholes, and surface waters are already contaminated in their in situ condition before being used. But, the efficacy of these skin disinfectants (antiseptics) is usually not well spelt out for the aforementioned purpose, and usage may yield no good report. This study assessed the suitability of use of two widely used antiseptics in Nigeria (Dettol and Izal) on Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp., in eliminating bacteria in bathing water. The water which were tested at four different concentrations (0.4 ml, 0.8 ml, 1.2 ml, and 1.6 ml) and at six different contact times (0, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min, respectively) within which bathing is meant to take place after antiseptics were applied. Overall, One hundred and Forty-four (144) samples were analyzed, and based on our null hypothesis of no bacteria should be found in bathing water after disinfection, results showed that both antiseptics were not efficient in bacteria removal. However, the multivariable logistic regression model conducted revealed that both antiseptics were more active in destroying Klebsiella spp. than any other bacteria investigated with Izal showing more dominance (OR = 31.21; p < 0.05). The study further revealed that Izal is 3.6 times more likely to destroy bacteria than Dettol (p < 0.05), with more of the elimination occurring at contact time greater than 5 min (OR = 1.504; p = 0.043). Therefore, it is suggested that disinfectants and antiseptics of high motility and sufficient potency in a wide range of bacteria spectrum should be produced to meet the needs of consumers resulting in a better bathing water quality.

The Burden of Childhood Atopic Dermatitis in the Primary Care Setting: A Report from the Meta-LARC Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the burden of atopic dermatitis (AD) encountered in US primary care practices and the frequency and type of skin care practices routinely used in children. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of AD in children 0 to 5 years attending primary care practices in the United States and to describe routine skin care practices used in this population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey study of a convenience sample of children under the age of 5 attending primary care practices for any reason. SETTING: Ten primary care practices in 5 US states. RESULTS: Among 652 children attending primary care practices, the estimated prevalence of ever having AD was 24% (95% CI, 21-28) ranging from 15% among those under the age of 1 to 38% among those aged 4 to 5 years. The prevalence of comorbid asthma was higher among AD participants compared to those with no AD, namely, 12% and 4%, respectively (P < .001). Moisturizers with high water:oil ratios were most commonly used (ie, lotions) in the non-AD population, whereas moisturizers with low water:oil content (ie, ointments) were most common when AD was present. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found a large burden of AD in the primary care practice setting in the US. The majority of households reported skin care practices that may be detrimental to the skin barrier, such as frequent bathing and the routine use of moisturizers with high water: oil ratios. Clinical trials are needed to identify which skin care practices are optimal for reducing the significant burden of AD in the community.

[Investigation of the actual conditions of users of a home-visiting bathing service based on the long-term care insurance care ranking and factors affecting the judgment of bathing possibility].

AIM: In home-visiting bathing services (HVBs), a nurse's role is to evaluate the vital signs, judge bathing possibilities and provide treatment before/after bathing. There are no guidelines regarding specific physical criteria for judging the bathing possibility. However, the body condition of HVB users during bathing has not been investigated. Thus, the present study aimed to clarify users' actual conditions and the factors related to the judgment of the possibility of bathing. METHODS: An anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey of HVBs users was conducted by Company-A, which provides HVBs. Six hundred sixty responses were collected (response rate: 40.1%).We described the conditions of HVB users and used chi-squared tests and logistic regression analyses to confirm the factors, including the certified Long-term Care Insurance (LTCI) care rank, past medical history and physical conditions that were associated with aborted HVB experiences. RESULTS: The mean age of the care-recipients was 82.1±12.1 and 93.3% of the recipients had severe conditions, including conditions necessitation the use of medical equipment, pressure ulcers, and contracture. The logistic regression analysis showed that the LTCI-certified-care-rank, the presence of pain, and the need for treatment before bathing were significant factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that users of HVBs not only had high LTCI-certified-care ranks, but that they also required pain management and pre-bathing treatment.

Stabilizing Bioimpedance-Vector-Analysis Measures With a 10-Minute Cold Shower After Running Exercise to Enable Assessment of Body Hydration.

PURPOSE: The exercise-induced increase in skin and body temperature, cutaneous blood flow and electrolyte accumulation on the skin affects the validity of bioimpedance analysis (BIA) to assess post-exercise changes in hydration. This study aimed to assess the influence of a 10-min cold (22°C) shower on the time course of impedance measurements after controlled exercise. METHODS: Ten male athletes (26.2±4.1 yr and BMI 23.9±1.7 kg/m2) were tested on two different days. During both trials, athletes ran for 30 min on a treadmill in a room at 22°C. In a randomized cross-over trial, the participants underwent a 10-min cold shower in the trial occasion and did not shower in the control trial. BIA variables were measured before running (i.e. baseline (T0)), immediately after exercising (T1), then at 20 (T2), 40 (T3) and 60 min (T4) after the exercise. The shower was performed after T1 in the shower trial. RESULTS: Body weight decreased similarly after running (-0.4±0.1%, p<0.001 and -0.4±0.1%, p<0.001). Resistance and vector length returned to baseline at T2 in the shower trial, whereas baseline values were achieved at T3 in the control trial (p>0.05). In the control trial, reactance remained at a lower level for the entire testing period (38.1±6.9 vs. 37.3±6.7, p<0.001). Forehead skin temperature returned to baseline values at T2 with shower, while it was still high at T4 without shower (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present data show that a 10-min cold shower enables the stabilization of BIA measurements within 20 min after exercise, which might facilitate the assessment of hydration change after exercise.

Nursing Consultation in a Public Bathhouse: A Community Resource for the Vulnerable Population in a European Capital.

BACKGROUND: In Portugal's capital, Lisbon, there are 19 public showers (PS) attended by a vulnerable population. AIM: To describe the assessment and interventions performed during nursing consultations. METHOD: This is a quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional study. FINDINGS: In a convenience sample of 77 users, 52% are females, 43% are single, 52% do not possess any economic resources, 87% have mental health issues, and 32% are homeless. The main nursing focuses found were: arterial hypertension, disease management skills, and emotional suffering. The most used nursing intervention is listening, followed by the expression of feelings, valuing the individual and his/her story, analyzing causes, providing support, and comforting. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the main focus of the nursing care in these facilities is the human being. The respect for individuality and dignity was the primary concern, in an attempt to empower the individual to better manage his/her health and illness processes.

Energy consumption, CO2 emissions and costs related to baths water consumption depending on the temperature and the use of flow reducing valves.

In the domestic segment, various appliances and processes consume great amount of water and, consequently, energy. In this context, the main aim of this study is to analyse the impact of water temperature, flow and bath duration in water and energy consumptions. The impact on CO2 emissions and a simple costs analysis were also carried out. It included a monitoring plan of 197 baths taken under different scenarios of water temperature and flow. It was concluded that increasing water consumption leads to an increase on energy consumption and that both resources consumptions increase with bath duration. Bath temperature had influence not only on energy consumption, as expected, but also in water consumption, what may be explained by the user's satisfaction during baths with higher temperatures. The use of a flow reducing valve is not a guarantee of water saving which can also be related to the user's satisfaction patterns, given that the introduction of a flow reducing valve can lead to a bath duration increase. In what concerns to the CO2 emissions, it was concluded, as expected, that higher values are obtained for baths with higher temperatures given their relation with higher energy consumptions patterns. A simple costs analysis revealed that having flow reducing valves, with a bath temperature of 75 °C, increased the costs with electricity and water in 119% and 32%, respectively, when compared with a temperature of 60 °C.

Bathing adaptations in the homes of older adults (BATH-OUT): results of a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT).

BACKGROUND: Housing adaptations have been identified as an important environmental and prevention intervention for older adults, which may improve health and quality of life. The onset of disability in bathing can act as a warning for further disability in other activities and may therefore be a judicious time-point for intervention. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of conducting a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) of bathing adaptations, to evaluate whether they improve older adults' perceived health status and quality of life, prevent further functional deterioration, and reduce the use of other health and social care resources. This study was conducted in preparation for a powered RCT. METHOD: Eligibility criteria were aged > 65 and referred to local authority housing adaptations service for an accessible flush-floor shower. Participants were randomised to either usual adaptations (3-4 month wait) or immediate adaptations (no wait). Outcomes were assessed at 3, 6 and 9 months and included perceived physical and mental health status, health and social care related quality of life, independence in activities of daily living (ADL) and bathing, and falls. Data on costs and the use of health and social care resources were collected during follow-up in order to inform a definitive health economic evaluation. RESULTS: Sixty participants were recruited and randomised, 31 to immediate adaptations and 29 to waiting list control. Mean age was 77(SD8), 58% women and 58% living alone. Follow-ups were completed with 90, 85 and 72% at 3, 6 and 9 months respectively. Adaptations were delivered to 65% of participants within the requisite timescales as there were delays with some privately owned properties. There were improvements from baseline in both groups on all outcome measures following the completion of the adaptations. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first RCT of housing adaptations in the UK. We demonstrated the feasibility of using a waiting list control, subject to minor alterations to the timescales for privately owned properties. A powered trial would evaluate the impact on older adults' quality of life and investigate the impact of waiting times on functional outcomes and health and care resource use. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN14876332 Registered 12 July 2016.