Wet Wash Gloves For gentle cleansing

Protocol

For care staff

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Personal Care protocol

Advantages of Abena’s Wet Wash Gloves

More hygienic than using a basin, water, soap and

textile washcloths. A single-use, disposable wash glove

is used for each body part. This reduces the risk of auto-

infection and cross-contamination.

Four treatments in one – cleaning, rinsing, drying and

nourishing . The Abena Wet Wash Gloves cleans in a

gentle and pleasant way the client and are easy to use

for caregiver.

No need to carry heavy basins of water: one pack of

Wet Wash Gloves is sufficient for a full body wash. This

reduces the physical effort for the caregiver.

All Wet Wash Gloves are free of parabens, dermatologically tested and pH-balanced for proper

skincare.

Protocol

We have prepared this protocol to instruct caregivers in

the proper use of Wet Wash Gloves. Using pictures and

text, this protocol explains how Abena Wet Wash Gloves

should be used. This protocol also includes an

explanation and instructions for the personal care of

incontinent clients.

By following this protocol, caregivers will be able to

comply with the requirements for washing clients.

Abena Personal Care Wet Wash Gloves

Personal care and hygiene are some of the activities of

daily living (ADL). The ideal situation is if everyone can

bathe or shower every day, but in many cases this is

not possible. Consider, for instance, people who are

bedridden, terminally ill, anxious or in a lot of pain.

Traditionally, clients have been washed in bed using a

basin, water, soap and a washcloth. Abena’s ready-to-

use Wet Wash Gloves are an excellent alternative. The

Wet Wash Gloves contain a special lotion that cleans,

rinses, dries and nourishes the skin. The Wet Wash

Gloves have a special texture which ensures that the

skin is properly cleaned. The Wet Wash Gloves can be pre-

heated in a microwave oven, which more comfort for the

client.

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Scientific research

Abena Wet Wash Gloves

Prof. Theo van Achterberg, the IQ/Scientific Institute for

Quality of Healthcare of the Radboud University Nijmegen

Medical Centre led a three-year scientific study into the effect

of washing skin with an impregnated disposable wash glove

and clients' and caregivers' satisfaction with this method.

The disposable Wet Wash Gloves used in this study were those

of Abena. In a previous Personal Care pilot at the Radboud

University Nijmegen Medical Centre to test 10 different Wet

Wash Gloves, Abena came out top in the test based on user

experience and quality. The study was conducted in 19

institutions (56 departments) among 500 patients.

The research by Prof. Theo van Achterberg shows that using Abena Personal Care

Wet Wash Gloves is safe and cost-effective. The results indicate that clients and

caregivers are very positive about Wet Wash Gloves and that aversion to this

product is unfounded. There are major benefits for all persons concerned: clients,

caregivers, nursing and other care staff, physicians and management. A summary

of the study can be downloaded at www.wash-without-water.com

In brief, the results of the study are:

Benefits for the client

Less risk of infection

Less skin damage

Less stressful or painful touching

Less tiring

More self-reliance

More full washes

Cleaner, fresher and more pleasant

Benefits for the caregiver

Less hassle

Less physical strain

Less risk of infection

More time for other care

No strict washing sequence

More pleasant washing experience

Benefits for the care home

Better quality basic care

Less stressful for staff

Less risk of infection (NORO virus and HRMO infections)

Less skin damage

Less follow-up costs

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Introduction

Preparation

Check the shelf life on the back of the pack.

Check that the pack has not been previously opened.

Do you have the right Personal Care pack?

* Unscented

* Scented

Does the pack have the correct number of Wet

Wash Gloves?

8 pieces or 5 pieces.

Observe the following hygiene rules

Remove all jewelry

Put everything you need within reach

Put clean clothes and incontinence pads within

reach

Ensure adequate privacy

Put the bed in the correct position

Wash your hands carefully

Use nitrile gloves in order to get the best

protection.

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One pack of Abena Wet Wash Gloves with 8 pieces is

sufficient for a full body wash. Use a single-use, disposable

wash glove for each body part:

1. Face, neck and chest

2. Left arm, armpit and chest/abdomen

3. Right arm, armpit and chest/abdomen

4. Bottom and pubic area

5. Left leg and foot

6. Right leg and foot

7. Back

8. Buttocks and perineum

Points to consider

Inform your client and explain the washing method

Cover body parts that are not being washed with a

sheet or towel. This prevents the body from cooling

down.

Cover the buttocks and genital area during washing as

much as possible except when washing these parts of

the body.

Make sure that skin in body folds, such as breasts or

abdomen, are dried properly after washing. Use a

towel to dry these areas.

Ensure the best working posture for yourself and your

client by standing on the correct side of the bed and

not lifting arms and legs unnecessarily

high.

Introduction

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Step 1 (optional):

Take all the necessary items to wash your client or clients

and put the pack with Personal Care Wet Wash Gloves in

a heating unit or microwave oven.

Heating:

1 pack for max. 30 seconds at 900 watt

4 packs for max. 100 seconds at 900 watt

Steps to take

Step 2:

Let your client know that you will be washing them with

Wet Wash Gloves. If the client is unfamiliar with this

washing method, explain it to him or her.

Step 3:

Help your client to take off his/her clothes.

Step 4:

Put on a new pair of gloves to protect your hands and to

avoid cross-contamination. Use nitrile gloves, as these

provide the best protection.

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Step 5:

Open the pack and take out a wash glove. Close the pack

again to retain the heat.

Tip: a wash glove has two identical sides; both

sides can be used.

Steps to take

Step 6:

Wash the client's face and ears. Wash the neck with the

other side of the wash glove.

Step 7:

Use a new wash glove to wash the client’s right arm,

armpit and chest/abdomen.

Start on the right side of the abdomen and work towards

the arm via the chest. Then work from the top of the arm

towards the hand. Turn over the wash glove and work

from the bottom of the arm towards the armpit.

Make sure you wash the armpit thoroughly.

Step 8:

Use a new wash glove to wash the client’s left arm,

armpit and chest/abdomen.

Start on the left side of the abdomen and work

towards the arm via the chest. Then work from the

top of the arm to the hand. Turn over the wash glove

and work from the bottom of the arm towards the

armpit.

Make sure you wash the armpit thoroughly.

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Step 9:

Use a new wash glove to wash the pubic area. Spread the

legs and wash the lower abdomen and groin. Then:

For men:

Push back the foreskin (if possible)

Wash the penis and scrotum

Push the foreskin back

For women:

Wash the pubic area from the top (abdomen) to

the bottom (anus).

Steps to take

Step 10:

Take a new wash glove and wash the client's left leg.

Start with the top of the leg and work towards the foot.

Ask the client to lift their leg and use the other side of

the wash glove to wash from the top of the leg towards

the foot. If this is not possible, try to gently bend the

leg. Note: don't forget to wash the feet.

Step 11:

Take a new wash glove and wash the client's right leg.

Start with the top of the leg and work towards the foot.

Ask the client to lift their leg and use the other side of the

wash glove to wash from the top of the leg towards the

foot. If this is not possible, try to gently bend the leg.

Note: make sure you are standing on the correct side of

the bed.

Step 12:

Let your client know that they have to lie on their side.

If the client cannot do this himself/herself, help them

to lie on their side.

Tip: Consider the best posture for both your client and

yourself. If necessary, use a sliding mat.

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Step 13:

Use a new wash glove to wash the client's back. Turn the

wash glove around and repeat the movements.

Support your client with your other hand if necessary.

Steps to take

Step 15 (optional):

Use a shampoo cap to wash the client's hair. First remove

all objects from the client's hair. Open the pack and

unfold the shampoo cap. Carefully pull the shampoo cap

over the client's hair.

For additional comfort:

Heat the shampoo cap for 20 seconds in a microwave at

max. 800 watts.

Step 16 (optional):

Gently massage the client's head with your hands for 2

to 3 minutes and then remove the shampoo cap. Dry

the hair with a towel and comb the hair.

Note: the shampoo cap cleanses the hair and scalp. We

recommend washing the hair with water at least once a

month.

Step 14:

Use the last wash glove to wash the client's buttocks

and perineum.

Make sure you clean the buttocks thoroughly.

Repeat the movements with the other side of the

wash glove if necessary.

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Ingredients

Abena Personal Care Wet Wash Gloves contain a lotion

that is pH-balanced, free of parabens and mild for the

skin. The Wet Wash Gloves are available in scented and

unscented versions.

Important

Comments or problems

If your client experiences problems with Abena Wet

Wash Gloves or if you have any comments or

questions, please contact Abena.

We are happy to help.

Abena Advisory Team contact information

For individuals, medical supply retailers, wholesalers,

pharmacies, clinics and nursing homes:

Phone:

Email:

For hospitals, nursing homes and mentally disabled care:

Phone:

Email:

More information about Abena’s Wet Wash Gloves: and

other products of the Wash without Water range visit

www.wash-without-water.com

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NOTES

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Personal Care Wet Wash Gloves Skin-friendly and hygienic

Protocol

For care staff

www.abena.com

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