The Impact of Daily Chlorhexidine Gluconate Wipe Bed Baths on Hospital-Acquired Infection Rates in Intensive Care Units
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Authors
Bukowski, Peter
Jarvis, Aiden
Dotson, Ava
Date of Issue
2025-04-25
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Infection Prevention: CHG Wipe Bathing vs Other Methods
Abstract
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant financial and moral burden on the healthcare system. Introducing infections to patients compromises their health, which directly contradicts the principle of nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the principle of “do no harm,” which is a cornerstone in modern medical practice. One strategy for reducing HAIs is the implementation of daily bed baths using chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) containing wipes. This practice aims to minimize the growth and presence of pathogenic microorganisms on patients’ skin, thereby reducing HAIs. For this project, HAIs are defined as nosocomially acquired infections not in incubation at the time of hospital admission including bloodstream infections, surgical site infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), and others. This project examines whether daily CHG wipe bed baths, compared to other methods, significantly reduce HAIs among adult ICU patients. Through a review of current scientific literature and clinical findings, this project evaluates the efficacy of CHG bathing in preventing infections, identifies patient outcomes, and explores barriers to implementation. This project aims to provide nurses, providers, and other healthcare personnel with insights into best practices for adult ICU patient hygiene, strategies to enhance infection prevention, and methods to improve patient safety.