Mobile phones in clinical practice: reducing the risk of bacterial contamination

Abstract

Summary Background Mobile smart phones have become increasingly integrated into the practice of doctors and allied medical professionals. Recent studies suggest them to represent reservoirs for pathogens with potential to cause nosocomial infections. This study aimed to investigate the level of contamination on phones used on surgical wards and identify strategies for their safe use within clinical areas. Methods Fifty mobile phones were taken from members of the multidisciplinary team working in a surgical unit. Phones were swabbed by two trained investigators using a standardised technique and samples streaked out using an automated specimen inoculator onto two types of culture media (Columbia blood agar and MacConkey agar). Colonies were identified and counted by a single trained investigator in a blinded fashion. Simultaneously a questionnaire investigating usage levels of phones was given to 150 healthcare workers. Results Sixty per cent of phones sampled had some form of contaminant isolated from their phone. Thirty‐one (62%) of phones had only three colonies or less isolated on medium. No pathogenic or drug resistant strains of bacteria were identified. A total of 88% of individuals sampled by questionnaire used their phone within the workplace of which 55% used it for clinical purposes. Sixty‐three per cent expected there to be some form of contaminant on their phone with only 37% admitting to cleaning it regularly. Seventy‐five per cent of people did not view a ban on phones as a practical solution was they found to be an infection risk. Conclusion Touch screen smart phones may be used safely in a clinical environment, with a low risk of cross‐contamination of nosocomial bacteria to patients, in the setting of effective adherence to hand hygiene policies.

The role of mobile communication devices in the spread of infections within a clinical setting

“…Studies have reported that between 85% and 93% of HCWs never clean their MCDs (Singh et al, 2002;Hassoun et al, 2004;Brady et al, 2007). Furthermore, Mark et al (2014) found that 45% of medical professionals never wash their hands after phone usage. Since a significant number of MCDs carry pathogenic bacteria, there is a need to determine the risk of transmission from MDCs to both HCWs and patients.…”

“…In a clinical setting, healthcare workers (HCWs) use MCDs on a day-to-day basis for work and social purposes. Studies indicate that 87%Á88% of HCWs use their MCD at the workplace (Koehler et al, 2013;Mark et al, 2014). These devices are used primarily to optimize patient care and client communications ( Julian et al, 2012).…”

“…These devices are used primarily to optimize patient care and client communications ( Julian et al, 2012). Specifically, MCDs are used to access laboratory results, conduct Internet research, and seek consultation amongst colleagues (Mark et al, 2014). Corresponding author: Tricia Corrin (email: pcorrin@uoguelph.ca)…”

“…However, the studies reviewed did have recommendations on how to control HAIs infections as a result of MCDs. The strategy that was recommended by almost all authors and that was also deemed as most effective in reducing the potential of MCD-contamination was strict adherence with hand hygiene ( Julian et al, 2012;Ustun and Cihangiroglu, 2012;White et al, 2012;Beckstrom et al, 2013;Pal et al, 2013;Basol et al, 2014;Mark et al, 2014). Other recommendations included: specific infection control measures, training of HCWs and patients and their families regarding strict control procedures, and methods to disinfect MCDs.…”

Avaliação Microbiológica dos Aparelhos Celulares dentro do Bloco Cirúrgico – Avaliação em um Hospital Beneficente de Pernambuco

“…Sob a maioria das condições não é biologicamente ativo e está presente sob a forma de esporos. 17 As taxas de infecção relacionadas a assistência à saúde continuam sendo uma preocupação crescente para profissionais de saúde. Diversas orientações têm sido dadas em relação à limpeza das mãos, descontaminação de superfícies, e limpeza de instrumentos utilizados AVALIAÇÃO …”