On your way to work today, you must have likely touched your cellphone or the toilet seat.
One article stated that “Mobile phones harbor more micro-organisms than toilet seat”.1 The warm environment creates a breeding ground for microorganisms hence, they are called as “technological petri-dish for thousands of worms.” Another research study concluded that mobile phones can act as important fomites for transmission of nosocomial infections as severe as MRSA and its transmission can be curbed by limiting their use in critical care areas and handwashing.2
Yes, you read it right. HANDWASHING. How many of us needed to be reminded by auditors or had our names in the “secret shopper” list or worse, got written up? But we did nothing wrong – just forgetting to wash ‘em dirty hands. Is there any excuse that we can think of? I can only think of making it ingrained into our practice, but how?
The World Health Organization recommends this approach to clean our hands. It’s called the 5 moments of hand hygiene. Here’s a visual guide:
When you get ready to take care of your patients today, look for the closest sink or gel station and remember these five moments to prevent the spread of germs.
Houston Nurse Attorney Can Help if Approached by Texas BON
In some cases, regardless of how careful you are in providing quality healthcare, you may find yourself in a predicament that requires the legal expertise of a Houston nurse attorney who can guide you.
Contact Texas nurse attorney Yong J. An today to schedule a confidential consultation, call or text directly at (832) 428-5679.
References:
- McRae, F. (2006, August 1). Wash your hands, caller. Your mobile’s dirtier than you think Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-398683/Wash-hands-caller-Your-mobiles-2. dirtier-think. Retrieved January 14, 2017,
- Tambe, N., & Pai, C. (2012). A Study of Microbial Flora and MRSA Harboured by Mobile Phones of Health Care Personnel. International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, 4(1), 2012th ser., 14-18.