Wristwatch use and hospital-acquired infection

Jeans, Adam R.; Moore, JohnWilliam; Nicol, CarolineD.; Bates, C.J.; Read, Robert C.

doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2009.06.032

Cited by 29 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…It was previously shown that stethoscopes, white coats, keyboards, faucets, mobile phones, writing pens, case notes, medical charts, and even wrist watches can be contaminated by environmental or pathologic microorganisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Klebsiella pneumoniae [14]–[27]. Such opportunistic or causative pathogens can be found on the surfaces of these personal belongings and facilities within the wards [14], [16], [20], [22], [26].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contamination of Medical Charts: An Important Source of Potential Infection in Hospitals

Chen

Wang

2014

PLoS ONE

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ObjectiveThis prospective study aims to identify and compare the incidence of bacterial contamination of hospital charts and the distribution of species responsible for chart contamination in different units of a tertiary hospital.MethodsAll beds in medical, surgical, pediatric, and obstetric-gynecologic general wards (556) and those in corresponding special units (125) including medical, surgical, pediatric intensive care units (ICUs), the obstetric tocolytic unit and delivery room were surveyed for possible chart contamination. The outer surfaces of included charts were sampled by one experienced investigator with sterile cotton swabs rinsed with normal saline.ResultsFor general wards and special units, the overall sampling rates were 81.8% (455/556) and 85.6% (107/125) (p = 0.316); the incidence of chart contamination was 63.5% and 83.2%, respectively (p<0.001). Except for obstetric-gynecologic charts, the incidence was significantly higher in each and in all ICUs than in corresponding wards. Coagulase-negative staphylococci was the most common contaminant in general wards (40.0%) and special units (34.6%) (p>0.05). Special units had a significantly higher incidence of bacterial contamination due to Staphylococcus aureus (17.8%), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (9.3%), Streptococcus viridans (9.4%), Escherichia coli (11.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (7.5%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (7.5%). Logistic regression analysis revealed the incidence of chart contamination was 2- to 4-fold higher in special units than in general wards [odds ratios: 1.97–4.00].ConclusionsNoting that most hospital charts are contaminated, our study confirms that a hospital chart is not only a medical record but also an important source of potential infection. The plastic cover of the medical chart can harbor potential pathogens, thus acting as a vector of bacteria. Additionally, chart contamination is more common in ICUs. These findings highlight the importance of effective hand-washing before and after handling medical charts. However, managers and clinical staff should pay more attention to the issue and may consider some interventions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contamination of Medical Charts: An Important Source of Potential Infection in Hospitals

Chen

Wang

2014

PLoS ONE

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“…[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Nurse B removes and secures her rings and watch and covers her earrings in accordance with the facility's policy.…”

Section: Jewelrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Guideline Implementation: Surgical Attire

Cowperthwaite¹,

Holm²

2015

AORN Journal

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Surgical attire helps protect patients from microorganisms that may be shed from the hair and skin of perioperative personnel. The updated AORN "Guideline for surgical attire" provides guidance on scrub attire, shoes, head coverings, and masks worn in the semirestricted and restricted areas of the perioperative setting, as well as how to handle personal items (eg, jewelry, backpacks, cell phones) that may be taken into the perioperative suite. This article focuses on key points of the guideline to help perioperative personnel adhere to facility policies and regulatory requirements for attire. The key points address the potential benefits of wearing scrub attire made of antimicrobial fabric, covering the arms when in the restricted area of the surgical suite, removing or confining jewelry when wearing scrub attire, disinfecting personal items that will be taken into the perioperative suite, and sending reusable attire to a health care-accredited laundry facility after use. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.

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“…Wearing wrist watches augments the bacterial contamination of the wrist but until it is manipulated, excess hand contamination does not ensue (Jeans et al, 2010). The wearing of watch over the chest pocket is definitely preferable.…”

Section: Hand Washing and Hand Hygienementioning

confidence: 99%