COMMUNITY BAG TECHNIQUE

COMMUNITY BAG – Importance of Community Bag, Principles of Bag Techniques, Articles Used in Community, Steps of Procedure with Community Bag, Home Health Nursing Procedure and Principles to be observed (Community Health Nursing)

Updated 2024

Community Bag Technique

The community health nurse requires some tools and instruments for doing procedures during home visits. The purpose of community bag is to carry out nursing procedures in home, which includes weighing the children, performing minor dressing and to conduct delivery in emergency situations

The “community bag technique” in nursing often refers to a method used to organize and carry essential supplies during community health nursing visits or home health visits. The purpose is to ensure that healthcare professionals have all the necessary tools and resources readily available when providing care in the community.

The community health bag can be made of khaki material or any material with an aluminum or iron frame to fit inside. Leather bags can also be used if the agency can afford this. it is designed to carry equipment and material needed during a visit to the home, school or factory

The nursing bag is a vehicle for carrying the material and equipment needed during. The bag should have outside packets for keeping a note book, waste paper bag, folder, newspaper, stationeries, and tablet container

IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY BAG

• It is essential during each home visit, school and industrial visit to do some nursing procedures
• The community bag and material required are kept ready to use at any time
• The community bag helps to demonstrate some nursing procedures during home visit
• The community bag acts as a vehicle for carrying the tools during a home visit

PRINCIPLES OF BAG TECHNIQUES

• The community bag must be kept scrupulously clean ad ready for use at all times
• The community bag should be kept in clean areas without danger of being contaminated by the children or domestic animals
• Clean or boil the instruments after use and replace it safely
• Avoid unnecessary exposure while doing procedure
• Secure the bag by often cleaning and cover it properly
• The community bag placed on a clean surface or on a piece of newspaper or a plastic sheet
• Remove the soap, towel and nail brush and wash the hands well
• Open the bag and remove only the needed articles and close the bag
• Carry out the procedure placing soiled swabs inside a newspaper bag for disposal by burning or any other suitable method
• Fold used paper or plastic sheet with exposed side innermost and keep it in the outside pocket of the bag
• Write brief note of the observation, procedure done or instructions given
• Check the bag daily, washing hands before opening it and make necessary replacements

ARTICLES USED IN COMMUNITY BAG

• Outside pocket: newspaper, stationeries, family folders, flash cards and waste paper bag
• Side flap: tablets containers should have paracetamol, septran, multivitamin or B-complex, anti-inflammatory, etc. solutions antiseptic, savlon, betadine, Benedict’s solution, acetic acid, methylated spirit and eye drops  or ointment
• Lower compartment: urine analysis kit, specimen bottle, kidney tray, test tubes, test tubes holder, spirit lamp and match box. The hand washing items-soap, towel, nail brush, small mackintosh or plastic sheet and plastic aprons
• Physical assessment instruments: fetoscope, inch tape, shakir tape and spring balance to check weight
• Sterile compartment: instruments-artery forceps, thumb forceps, small towel and scissors. A pair of disposable glove or paper gloves
• Miscellaneous articles: mucous suckers, tallquist paper for checking hemoglobin and small catheter

STEPS OF PROCEDURE WITH COMMUNITY BAG

• Select a work area according to the convenient of the family
• Place the bag in a mat in a veranda on newspaper
• Unbutton the bag of lower compartment
• Remove hand washing equipment and wash hands properly
• Remove apron from the bag and put it on
• Remove the need items from the outside compartment
• Give nursing care based on the plan
• When procedure is over, wash hands with soap and water
• Place the articles to the bag after cleaning
• Fold used newspaper with used side inside
• Close the bag
• Record your procedures and observation and instructions given

HOME HEALTH NURSING PROCEDURES

The community health nurse primary responsibility to meet health needs of the family, it is necessary to provide nursing care on a selective basis and to demonstrate the care to some responsible members of the family. It is recognized that nurses working in the community health field have been trained in many different hospitals and schools; they were taught procedures have changed community

PRINCIPLES TO BE OBSERVED

• Resources usage: standard procedures should be followed as far as possible utilizing materials and equipment found in the home
• Demonstration: demonstration of nursing care in the home is most effective method of teaching
• Standing orders: medical instructions in the form of standing instructions or individual instructions must be available before administering medicine or treatment
• Prevent spread of disease: the health worker must know to check the disease at its sources. The practice of medical asepsis and the habit of thorough cleanliness at all time is basic to all procedures
• Respect the families: practice as far as possible custom and habits are scared to the family. Habit changes are slow and come with knowledge and action which the nurse may initiate and/or participate in through individual and group teaching
• Comfort and relationships: consider comfort and relationship when selecting the patients unit. The nurse must select the place where the patient will get rest, privacy and clean air. The sick person may be housed comfortably and at the same time, prevent the spread of infectious material
• Economical use: supplies and equipment economically, always consider the high cost of fuel, the hardship in getting water and the family economics
• Teaching: the community health nurse should teach the patient and responsible member of the family, teach with proper demonstration and also encourage to do return demonstration
• Record keeping: adequate records and reports are an integral part of every good nursing service. Records should be maintained up to date
• Prevention of accidents: write name of the drug and instructions for taking using the language of the people. Inform the family to keep all drugs locked in their cupboards and out of reach of children
• Health promotion: safe water, latrines, drainage, cooking arrangement, bathing, absence or presence of animals within the compound or in the house is of major importance in the promotion of health
• Nutritional observation: observation and action relative to the nutritional status of the family is a primary responsibility of the nurse

NURSING PROCEDURES LIST CLICK HERE

NURSING IMPORTANT QUESTIONS – CLICK HERE

NURSE FUNDAMENTAL PROCEDURES

MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING

OVERVIEW OF COMMUNITY BAG

Here is a general outline of the community bag technique:

1. Purpose and Preparation:

• Identify the purpose of the visit, whether it’s a routine assessment, health education, or specific care needs.
• Review the patient’s health record and care plan to determine the required supplies.

2. Selecting the Bag:

• Choose a durable and easily portable bag with compartments or pockets to organize different types of supplies. Backpacks or tote bags with multiple sections are commonly used.

3. Essential Supplies:

• Pack essential supplies based on the nature of the visit. Common items may include:
  • Basic assessment tools (e.g., stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, thermometer).
  • Dressings and wound care supplies.
  • Medication administration tools.
  • Health education materials.
  • Gloves and hand hygiene items.
  • Documentation tools (e.g., notepad, forms, pens).
  • First aid kit.

4. Organizing Compartments:

• Use the bag’s compartments or pockets to organize supplies logically. For example:
  • Keep assessment tools together in one section.
  • Separate wound care supplies from medications.
  • Allocate space for personal protective equipment (PPE).

5. Mobile Technology:

• If applicable, bring mobile devices (e.g., tablets, smartphones) for accessing electronic health records, documenting care, and obtaining information.

6. Patient-Specific Items:

• Include patient-specific items based on individual needs and care plans. This may involve specialized equipment or materials.

7. Emergency Supplies:

• Include emergency supplies such as a basic first aid kit, emergency contact information, and any necessary rescue equipment.

8. Personal Comfort Items:

• Consider adding personal comfort items such as water, snacks, or a small first aid kit for the nurse’s own well-being during visits.

9. Check and Replenish:

• Regularly check the community bag to ensure that supplies are not expired and are in good condition.
• Replenish items as needed, and keep the bag well-stocked for the next visit.

10. Infection Control: – Practice infection control measures, including proper hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment as needed.

11. Flexibility and Adaptability: – Be prepared to adapt the contents of the bag based on unexpected situations or changes in the patient’s condition.