Implementation of ‘Personal Hygiene Independence Table’ in Mental Health Hospitals in Indonesia: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Self-care deficits are common in mental health patients, leading to neglect of basic hygiene tasks like bathing, dressing, and brushing teeth. This neglect can worsen physical health and hinder recovery, impacting both well-being and quality of life. Objective: This study aims to improve personal hygiene among patients with self-care deficits and enhance their independence in performing daily self-care activities. Methods: This study presents a case study focusing on a single patient diagnosed with schizophrenia experiencing self-care deficits. A structured nursing care management plan was implemented, involving psychiatric nursing strategies tailored to the patient's needs. The intervention was closely monitored by a multidisciplinary team, including the medical staff and assigned nurses, who regularly assessed the patient’s progress. Strategies included step-by-step guidance, encouragement, and evaluation of readiness for independence. In the last three days before discharge, the patients showed the ability to communicate effectively and perform self-care activities on their own. Results: Post-implementation results, measured using the Katz Index, indicated marked improvement based on observed performance and daily evaluation scores using the Katz Index in self-care independence, reaching up to 85%. Patients were able to perform essential activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating. However, some still experienced nighttime continence issues, such as bedwetting. Conclusion: There was a notable increase in self-care independence following the interventions. As recognition for this improvement, the patients receive small rewards as motivation, such as candy from their family. All progress was recorded using the Client Index and reflected in the patient independence table.