Spinal Cord Injury

Shepherd Rehabilitation: Restoring Dignity in Spinal Cord Injury Care

Rehabilitation Hospital — SCI UnitAtlanta, GA60 bedsResults over 8 months

Shepherd Rehabilitation Center's 60-bed SCI unit faced significant challenges with patient hygiene for high-level spinal cord injury patients who could not be safely transferred to shower chairs. Traditional sponge baths were inadequate, time-consuming, and frequently cited by patients as a source of discomfort and loss of dignity. Staff injury rates from manual patient handling were also a concern.

Results at a Glance

Patient Satisfaction (Hygiene)
61%94%
+33 pts
Staff Injury Reports (Bathing)
14/yr3/yr
79% down
HAPI Incidence Rate
6.8%2.1%
69% down
Bathing Time per Patient
45 min22 min
51% faster

The Challenge

Shepherd Rehabilitation Center's 60-bed SCI unit faced significant challenges with patient hygiene for high-level spinal cord injury patients who could not be safely transferred to shower chairs. Traditional sponge baths were inadequate, time-consuming, and frequently cited by patients as a source of discomfort and loss of dignity. Staff injury rates from manual patient handling were also a concern.

The Solution

The SCI unit implemented Bed Shower Wib as the primary bathing method for all high-level SCI patients. The Wib's self-contained design eliminated the need for patient transfers, while the full-body water coverage provided a genuine shower experience that dramatically improved patient satisfaction and psychological well-being.

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Implementation Process

1

Assessed all SCI patients for transfer risk and identified Wib candidates (C4 and above, ASIA A/B).

2

Trained SCI nursing team on Wib operation, positioning, and skin assessment integration.

3

Developed a skin integrity monitoring protocol combining Wib bathing with pressure injury prevention.

4

Surveyed patients monthly on hygiene satisfaction, dignity, and comfort.

5

Expanded Wib use to all SCI patients regardless of level after 60-day pilot results.

"For our SCI patients, a real shower is not a luxury — it is a fundamental part of their recovery and dignity. The Wib gave our patients something they thought they had lost. The improvement in mood, cooperation with therapy, and overall satisfaction has been remarkable."
Dr. Lisa Park, MD, PM&R
Medical Director, SCI Rehabilitation Unit, Shepherd Rehabilitation Center

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Key Outcomes

33-point improvement in patient hygiene satisfaction scores (61% to 94%)

79% reduction in staff musculoskeletal injury reports related to patient bathing

69% reduction in hospital-acquired pressure injury incidence rate

51% reduction in time required for patient bathing, freeing nursing time for therapy support

Significant improvement in patient mood, therapy participation, and rehabilitation outcomes

Wib protocol adopted as standard of care across all SCI and acquired brain injury units

Free Download

Full Case Study PDF — Shepherd Rehabilitation: Restoring Dignity in Spinal Cord Injury Care

Formatted for sharing with your infection control committee, CNO, or CFO. Includes all metrics, protocol details, and implementation timeline.

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