Chapter 9: Patient comfort and supporting personal hygiene
Skip chapter table of contents and go to main content
Overview
The aim of this chapter is to present the many and varied procedures that contribute towards the comfort of patients at all times. This includes the very specific procedures that promote comfort and hygiene, such as bathing, hair care and shaving, as well as procedures that enhance care of the eye, ear and mouth.
Comfort will mean different things to different patients. It may relate to a state of wellbeing, security or contentment. It may involve being in a relaxed state, having tolerable pain, or perhaps having feelings of satisfaction or physical wellbeing due to the care provided. For the nurse or allied health professional delivering personal care to the patient, the goal should be to contribute to and enhance the patient's state of comfort.
