Stethoscope hygiene: Using cultures and real-time feedback with bioluminescence-based adenosine triphosphate technology to change behavior

Assessing changes in stethoscope hygiene during COVID-19: a multi-centre cross-sectional study

“…However, while there was a notable increase in performance of optimal stethoscope hygiene, there was still 45% of physicians who reported not performing optimal hygiene during COVID-19. These findings agree with prior survey-based [ [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] ] and observational [ [18] , [19] , [20] ] studies which have reported highly variable but largely deficient rates of stethoscope hygiene. Furthermore, our study identified that resident physicians and newer providers were less likely to have improved stethoscope hygiene.…”

“…Amidst the greater infection control vigilance and social pressure catalyzed by the pandemic, interventions to improve stethoscope hygiene might be more effective; according to the results of our study, residents physicians, who were least likely to perform optimal hygiene during COVID-19, might be an appropriate focus for such interventions. Prior interventions for stethoscope hygiene that have been met with mixed success, including notable studies from Holleck et al demonstrating no change in hygiene rates after implementing robust educational interventions [ 20 , 29 , 30 ]. However, since these studies occurred prior to COVID-19, providers might have lacked the impetus to change their behaviors prior to COVID-19.…”

Guideline for Surgical Attire

“…Cleaning and disinfection of stethoscopes should be encouraged via such approaches as creating a standardized process, placing supplies (eg, disinfectant, hand rub dispensers) in convenient locations, providing education to staff members on the risk of crosscontamination and cleaning processes, and posting visual reminders with cleaning instructions. [1][2][3][4] Because it has been shown to increase buy-in and compliance with cleaning and disinfection of stethoscopes, education with real-time feedback for cleaning and disinfection (eg, verification testing with adenosine triphosphate, culturing before and after disinfection) may be implemented. 1,4 Lisa Croke, Managing Editor http://doi.org/10.1002/aorn.14088…”

Controversies on the Stethoscope During COVID-19: A Necessary Tool or an Unnecessary Evil?

“…18 Hydrogen peroxide wipes are also widely available in the hospital and described as being effective in cleaning the stethoscope. 19 In another study involving stethoscopes used in the intensive care unit (ICU), standardized 60-second cleaning with a hydrogen peroxide wipe decreased contamination of half the stethoscopes to the level of a brand-new clean stethoscope, while the rest still had considerable reductions in the total amount of bacteria. 20 One of the major stethoscope manufacturer's website advice cleaning the stethoscope with alcohol wipes, 70% isopropyl alcohol or 2% bleach solution (risk of tubing discoloration).…”