One of the most serious risks that can affect a patient’s health in the hospital is an infection. Hospitals are full of both people who are sick and people with fragile or vulnerable immune systems. This can result in quite a dangerous combination, which is why we expect that every measure be taken to protect germs and bacteria from spreading in a hospital.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Too often, patients in New Jersey can end up developing a serious illness or injury because of unsanitary or negligent hospital procedures. A recent report suggests that much more could be done by doctors and hospitals to prevent germs from spreading between patients. And it could be as easy as changing an outfit.
According to the report by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, a physician’s attire could be home to all kinds of germs and contaminants. Doctors may wash their hands between every patient, but chances are good that they are not washing a coat or tie. And in many cases, these same articles of clothing are not washed for days or even weeks.
Studies have been conducted which suggest that germs are easily and commonly carried on a doctor’s shirt sleeve, tie, watch, ring, shoes and lab coat. Without realizing it, many physicians are carrying these bugs from patient to patient.
That is why new recommendations have been released by the committee of experts which could help protect people in hospital from getting sick. Some of those suggestions for hospital workers include: wearing short-sleeved shirts, removing all jewelry while working, avoiding or cleaning neckties regularly and washing or disinfecting hospital items that may have come into contact with patients. These could include lanyards, cellphones, lab coats and ID badges.
The recommendations are optional at this point, as there has yet to be a confirmed case of an infection being caused by germs carried on a doctor’s clothes. However, it is an interesting idea that may be explored further. If it is determined that these items can spread or contribute to an infection in the hospital, fixing the problem could be relatively simple.
Source: USA Today, “Germy lab coats and ties prompt dress code for doctors,” Kim Painter, Jan. 21, 2014
