Death Bath Myth

[thisnurse123]

The death bath is apparently a myth:

Quote

 

Result: Among 110 patients eligible for this prospective study, 89 (72%) met the inclusion criteria. Forty-eight patients (43%, 223 person-days) were eligible for analysis. A total of 28 patient-days were classified into the bathing group, and 192 patient-days were classified into the nonbathing group. After propensity score matching, the 24-hour death rate was 10.7% in the bathing group and 8.0% in the nonbathing group, respectively (mean difference 2.8% with 95% confidence interval of −11.2% to 16.8%, p = 0.65).

Conclusion: Taking a bath does not appear to bear a significant association with shortening of life among advanced cancer patients in their last days of life.

 

Association between Bathing and Survival in Patients with Advanced Cancer in Their Last Days of Life: A Prospective Cohort Study

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Interesting study. I would imagine that the ability to have a tub bath is only for people receiving hospice care in their own homes, unless Japanese care facilities are equipped with bathing tubs. 

I think that for many of us who have experienced a "terminal turn" with our end of life patients, there comes a point where it just wouldn't be something I would consider for my patient. But cultural differences play a big factor in this instance.