Could Towel bath reduce aggressiveness in patient with dementia? Results from a crossover trial

BACKGROUND: Bathing is one of the most intimate activities during which persons with dementia are cared for. The literature suggests that 20-40% of patients with cognitive impairment, hospitalized in long-term facilities, may react with aggressive behaviours. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of th...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Roberta Lodini, Stefano Terzoni, Agostino D'Antuono, Elena Sala, Giancarlo Celeri, Mauro Parozzi, Paolo Ferrara, Laura DiPrisco, Lara Carelli, Giada Cocciolo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Milano University Press 2022-08-01
Series:Dissertation Nursing
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Online Access:https://riviste.unimi.it/index.php/dissertationnursing/article/view/17511
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Summary:BACKGROUND: Bathing is one of the most intimate activities during which persons with dementia are cared for. The literature suggests that 20-40% of patients with cognitive impairment, hospitalized in long-term facilities, may react with aggressive behaviours. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of the towel bath technique in reducing agitation, aggression, and discomfort in nursing home residents with dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An Inteentional crossover study was conducted; a convenience sample of patients with dementia,  was enrolled. Aggressive behaviors were evaluated using the italian version of the Care Recipient Behavior Assessment (CAREBA- ita). RESULTS: 71 resident were enrolled. Towel Bath technique showed a reduction in episodes of aggression and in the execution time of the procedure with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:  The technique Towel bath provides a viable alternative to traditional bath to reduce aggression in patients with dementia.
ISSN:2785-7263