The Key to Controlling HAIs: Focus on the Environment and New Technologies
Many heath care-associated pathogens are a result of environment, according to a paper about controlling Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs), Stephanie J. Dancer, of the Department of Microbiology at Hairmyres Hospital, Scotland, United Kingdom. Dangerous pathogens are spread inadvertently by staff and patients within a hospital setting. They can contaminate surfaces for several days and spread to other patients or staff members. “Recent studies suggest that the risk of acquiring VRE, MRSA Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., or C. difficile is increased if a new admission is placed in a room previously occupied with one of these pathogens,” according to the paper. In an investigation that followed a sudden increase in patient acquiring Acinetobacter in a pediatric burn unit, it was discovered that frequently touched clinical equipment were an “outbreak reservoir.” The outbreak took place soon after computers were installed at the bedside of each patient. When the rooms were cleaned, it was discovered that pathogens were present on many surfaces throughout the rooms, including the plastic keyboard covers.
Why Aren’t Stethoscopes Sanitized?
Studies find that basic stethoscope hygiene is rare.If you found out that doctors rarely washed their hands, you might be hesitant to go to your next appointment. Luckily doctors have fairly good hand hygiene. But stethoscope hygiene is another story, and...
Increases in Hospital Infections Sparks National Action
About 1/25 patients on any day have an HAI, equaling the population the size of Atlanta becoming infected every year.BY SYDNEY BROOKS A study published in the Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that healthcare-associated infections increased in 2020....
93% of Young People Admit to Using Their Phones on the Toilet According to New Survey
Vioguard, a Leader in UV-C Technology, Highlights Consumer's Filthy Phones and Lack of Cleaning HabitsBOTHELL, Wash., June 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Vioguard, Inc., released a consumer survey report showing cell phone usage and lack of proper sanitization could...
