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Peacock WF, Dhand A, Albert NM, Shahid Z, Luk A, Vollman K, Schoppelrey RB, Cadwell C, Dadwal S, Amin AN, Torriani FJ. Stethoscope barriers narrative review; It's time for a strategy unfriendly to multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs). J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:1001-1006. [PMID: 38636310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The current standard of stethoscope hygiene doesn't eliminate the transmission of harmful pathogens, including multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs). In the era of the increasing prevalence of MDRO infections, the use of new systems providing touch free barriers may improve patient safety versus traditional stethoscope cleaning practices with chemical agents. Our purpose was to provide a narrative literature review regarding barriers as an improvement over the current standard of care for stethoscope hygiene. Searching PubMed, articles were identified if they were in English and published after 1990, using the search term "stethoscope barrier", or if they were from a previously published stethoscope hygiene article using "author's name + stethoscope". Included articles evaluated or discussed stethoscope barriers. Of 28 manuscripts identified, 15 met the inclusion criteria. Barriers were considered superior to alternatives if they were single use, disposable, applied in a touch free fashion, were impervious to pathogens, provided an aseptic patient contact, and were acoustically invisible. Use of a practitioner's personal stethoscope with a disposable diaphragm barrier should be recommended as a new standard of care as this represents an improvement in patient safety and patient experience when compared to the disposable stethoscope or isopropyl alcohol stethoscope diaphragm cleaning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zainab Shahid
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States
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Şahan S, Güler S, Korkmaz E. Implementation of stethoscope disinfection: an observational study on nursing staff practice and knowledge. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2024; 19:Doc30. [PMID: 38883408 PMCID: PMC11177224 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Healthcare-associated infections cause high mortality and morbidity, and lack of stethoscope disinfection is one of the reasons for healthcare-associated infections. Nurses who frequently use stethoscopes in the clinic do not disinfect stethoscopes at high rates. This study aimed to identify the frequency of stethoscope disinfection by nurses and their knowledge about the same. Methods This was a mixed-methods observational study. The quantitative part of the study included 202 nurses, the qualitative part included 12. Two researchers who made observations during stethoscope use recorded the procedures the nurses performed on the "Observation Form". Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted based on phenomenological methods. Results 23.7% of the nurses disinfected their stethoscopes before contact with patients, 11.8% after contact with patients and 6.4% before and after contact with patients. The nurses used a stethoscope on an average of 7.42 patients without disinfecting it. In the qualitative interview, some nurses stated that they did not have information about the disinfectants to be used for stethoscopes and their effectiveness. Some of the participants in the present study stated that they did not receive training on stethoscope disinfection and that they did not know that there were guidelines about it. Conclusion Since there were deficiencies in the implementation of stethoscope disinfection as well as knowledge, the transfer of knowledge in this context must receive more attention in education and training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seda Şahan
- İzmir Bakircay University, Health Sciences Faculty, Nursing Department, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sevil Güler
- Erciyes University, Health Sciences Faculty, Nursing Department, Kayseri, Turkey
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Jovanovic A, Paunovic K, Ercegovac M, Popovic D, Davidovic D. Personal stethoscope disinfection practices and bacterial contamination: A cross-sectional study at the University Hospital Emergency Department in Belgrade, Serbia. Am J Infect Control 2024; 52:176-182. [PMID: 37598902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant reduction in bacterial growth on stethoscope membranes has been noticed after performing daily disinfection. Nevertheless, disinfection is rarely performed. We aimed to assess self-reported stethoscope disinfection practices among medical doctors, detect bacterial contamination on personal stethoscopes, and estimate the effectiveness of 70% ethanol as a stethoscope disinfecting agent. METHODS To determine stethoscope disinfection practices, participants filled out a questionnaire (N = 47), followed by providing stethoscopes for bacterial analysis. Differences in bacterial contamination were observed through the self-reported frequency and method of stethoscope disinfection. The effect of disinfecting with 70% ethanol was evaluated by comparing the presence of bacterial growth before and after disinfection. RESULTS The presence of bacterial growth was found in 78.7% of the stethoscope samples, with the median (interquartile range) number of colony-forming units at 25 (10-105). The frequency of disinfection greatly impacted the number of colony-forming units, and the method affected the presence of bacterial growth. Disinfection of stethoscope membranes using 70% ethanol resulted in a compelling 97.3% reduction of bacterial growth. CONCLUSIONS Adequate stethoscope disinfection is highly efficient in reducing bacterial contamination and as such should be considered a critical step in hygienic practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Jovanovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Paunovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Ercegovac
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dusan Popovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Department of Gastroenterology, Clinic for Internal Medicine, Clinical Hospital Center "Dr Dragisa Misovic-Dedinje", Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Davidovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Belgrade, Serbia.
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Bhattacharjee R, Negi A, Bhattacharya B, Dey T, Mitra P, Preetam S, Kumar L, Kar S, Das SS, Iqbal D, Kamal M, Alghofaili F, Malik S, Dey A, Jha SK, Ojha S, Paiva-Santos AC, Kesari KK, Jha NK. Nanotheranostics to Target Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria: Strategies and Applications. OPENNANO 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2023.100138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
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Frank Peacock W, Torriani FJ, Shahid Z, Dhand A, Luk A, Dadwal S. Our Third Hand: Stethoscope Hygiene in the Era of Alcohol-Resistant Organisms. Am J Med 2023; 136:551-554. [PMID: 36740208 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W Frank Peacock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex.
| | - Francesca J Torriani
- UC San Diego Health's Infection Prevention and Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego
| | - Zainab Shahid
- Infectious Diseases Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Abhay Dhand
- Transplant Infectious Diseases, Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Alfred Luk
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, La
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Peacock WF, Chemaly RF, Torriani F, Shahid Z, Dawal S. A new normal for the clinician's third hand: Stethoscope hygiene and infection prevention. Am J Infect Control 2023; 51:114-118. [PMID: 36351475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W Frank Peacock
- Research Henry JN Taub Department of Emergency Medicine Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
| | - Roy F Chemaly
- Clinical Virology Research Department of ID/IC/EH UT MD, Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, UT School of Public Health, Houston, TX; Medicine Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Francesca Torriani
- Infection Prevention and Clinical Epidemiology and Tuberculosis Control UC San Diego Health, Clinical Division of ID And Global Health at UC San Diego San Diego, CA
| | - Zainab Shahid
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan, NY
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Negi A, Kesari KK. Chitosan Nanoparticle Encapsulation of Antibacterial Essential Oils. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13081265. [PMID: 36014186 PMCID: PMC9415589 DOI: 10.3390/mi13081265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Chitosan is the most suitable encapsulation polymer because of its natural abundance, biodegradability, and surface functional groups in the form of free NH2 groups. The presence of NH2 groups allows for the facile grafting of functionalized molecules onto the chitosan surface, resulting in multifunctional materialistic applications. Quaternization of chitosan's free amino is one of the typical chemical modifications commonly achieved under acidic conditions. This quaternization improves its ionic character, making it ready for ionic-ionic surface modification. Although the cationic nature of chitosan alone exhibits antibacterial activity because of its interaction with negatively-charged bacterial membranes, the nanoscale size of chitosan further amplifies its antibiofilm activity. Additionally, the researcher used chitosan nanoparticles as polymeric materials to encapsulate antibiofilm agents (such as antibiotics and natural phytochemicals), serving as an excellent strategy to combat biofilm-based secondary infections. This paper provided a summary of available carbohydrate-based biopolymers as antibiofilm materials. Furthermore, the paper focuses on chitosan nanoparticle-based encapsulation of basil essential oil (Ocimum basilicum), mandarin essential oil (Citrus reticulata), Carum copticum essential oil ("Ajwain"), dill plant seed essential oil (Anethum graveolens), peppermint oil (Mentha piperita), green tea oil (Camellia sinensis), cardamom essential oil, clove essential oil (Eugenia caryophyllata), cumin seed essential oil (Cuminum cyminum), lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon commutatus), summer savory essential oil (Satureja hortensis), thyme essential oil, cinnamomum essential oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and nettle essential oil (Urtica dioica). Additionally, chitosan nanoparticles are used for the encapsulation of the major essential components carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, the encapsulation of an oil-in-water nanoemulsion of eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus), the encapsulation of a mandarin essential oil nanoemulsion, and the electrospinning nanofiber of collagen hydrolysate-chitosan with lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and dill (Anethum graveolens) essential oil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Negi
- Department of Bioproduct and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
- Correspondence: or (A.N.); or (K.K.K.)
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department of Bioproduct and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
- Correspondence: or (A.N.); or (K.K.K.)
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Vasudevan RS, Nedjat-Haiem MA, Mahadevan A, Herbert MS, Lander L, Warsi T, Shaikh U, Harding C, Savoia MC. Assessing Changes in Stethoscope Hygiene During COVID-19: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study. J Hosp Infect 2022; 127:1-6. [PMID: 35671861 PMCID: PMC9167726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has increased infection control vigilance across several modes of patient contact. However, it is unknown whether hygiene pertaining to stethoscopes, which carry the potential for pathogenic contamination, has also shifted accordingly. Aim To characterize pandemic-related changes in stethoscope hygiene. Methods We surveyed healthcare providers at three major medical centres. Questions quantitatively (Likert scale and frequency) assessed stethoscope hygiene beliefs and practices with two components: before and during COVID-19. Participants were grouped based on performance of optimal stethoscope hygiene (after every patient) before and during COVID-19. Groups were compared using χ2 and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings Of the 515 (10%) who completed the survey, 55 were excluded (N = 460). Optimal hygiene increased from 27.4% to 55.0% (P < 0.001). There were significant increases in Likert scores for all questions pertaining to knowledge of stethoscope contamination (P < 0.001). Belief in stethoscope contamination increased (P < 0.001) despite no change in perceived hygiene education. Resident physicians were less likely compared with attending physicians and nurses to have adopted optimal hygiene during COVID-19 (P < 0.001). Conclusion Despite a positive shift in stethoscope hygiene during COVID-19, optimal hygiene was still only performed by around half of providers. Educational interventions, particularly targeting early-career providers, are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Vasudevan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - M A Nedjat-Haiem
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - A Mahadevan
- University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - M S Herbert
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - L Lander
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - T Warsi
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - U Shaikh
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - C Harding
- University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - M C Savoia
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Castelli A, Norville P, Kiernan M, Maillard JY, Evans SL. Review of decontamination protocols for shared non-critical objects in 35 policies of UK NHS Acute Care Organisations. J Hosp Infect 2021; 120:65-72. [PMID: 34767870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decontamination of non-critical objects shared by patients is key in reducing HAIs, but it is a complex process that needs precise guidance from UK NHS Acute Care Organisations (ACOs). AIM To review the indications given by NHS ACOs' policies regarding the decontamination of shared non-critical devices. METHODS Detailed lists of decontamination protocols for shared non-critical objects were retrieved from cleaning, disinfection, and decontamination policies of 35 NHS ACOs. Three parameters were considered for each object: decontamination method, decontamination frequency and person responsible for decontamination. FINDINGS 1279 decontamination protocols regarding 283 different shared non-critical objects were retrieved. 689 (54%) did not indicate the person responsible for decontamination, while only 425 (33%), were complete, giving indications for all three parameters analysed. Only 2.5% (32/1279) decontamination protocols were complete and identical in two policies. In policies where cleaning represented the major decontamination method, chemical disinfection was rarely mentioned and vice versa. A general agreement among policies can be found for four main decontamination methods (detergent and water, detergent wipes, disinfectant wipes, use of disposable items), two decontamination frequencies (between events, daily) and two responsible person designations (nurses, domestic staff). CONCLUSIONS Decontamination protocol policies for shared non-critical objects had some similarities but did not concur on how each individual object should be decontaminated. The lack of clear indications regarding the person responsible for the decontamination process put at risk the ability of policies to serve as guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Castelli
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK; School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK; Fellows Research Centre, GAMA Healthcare Ltd., Halifax, UK
| | - Phillip Norville
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK; Fellows Research Centre, GAMA Healthcare Ltd., Halifax, UK
| | - Martin Kiernan
- Fellows Research Centre, GAMA Healthcare Ltd., Halifax, UK; School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia; Richard Wells Research Centre, University of West London, Brentford, UK
| | - Jean-Yves Maillard
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
| | - Sam L Evans
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
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Vasudevan RS, Amin A, Hannula DL, Maisel AS. Stethoscope hygiene: A legal consideration for cardiologists practicing in a new era of infection control (COVID-19). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 7:100039. [PMID: 34350422 PMCID: PMC8323512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2021.100039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The stethoscope is a tool cherished by the field of cardiology and ubiquitous throughout medicine. However, little consideration has been given to its safe usage regarding its potential for pathogenic contamination despite thorough evidence that stethoscopes can harbor pathogens that can be transmitted to patients upon contact. The COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2) pandemic has led to increased infection control vigilance, including toward the stethoscope, as evidenced by a recent increase in literature highlighting stethoscope hygiene/contamination. A consequence of this increase in awareness is that stethoscopes may be implicated in medical malpractice lawsuits as a potential cause of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). While there is limited evidence demonstrating a direct connection between stethoscope contamination and HAIs, malpractice lawsuits often do not require direct causative evidence. Regardless, efforts should be made to bolster stethoscope hygiene to not only mitigate patient harm, but also prevent providers from potential medical-legal conflicts. The continued relevance and utility of the stethoscope as a rapid, cost-effective diagnostic tool needs to be appropriately balanced with increased hygiene performance. Providers should anticipate increased scientific evidence and patient awareness regarding stethoscope contamination in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv S Vasudevan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Alpesh Amin
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Daniel L Hannula
- Rush, Hannula, Harkins, Kyler LLP, Tacoma, WA, United States of America
| | - Alan S Maisel
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
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Stethoscope hygiene: A call to action. Recommendations to update the CDC guidelines. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 42:740-742. [PMID: 34009112 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare-acquired infections are a tremendous challenge to the US medical system. Stethoscopes touch many patients, but current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not support disinfection between each patient. Stethoscopes are rarely disinfected between patients by healthcare providers. When cultured, even after disinfection, stethoscopes have high rates of pathogen contamination, identical to that of unwashed hands. The consequence of these practices may bode poorly in the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Alternatively, the CDC recommends the use of disposable stethoscopes. However, these instruments have poor acoustic properties, and misdiagnoses have been documented. They may also serve as pathogen vectors among staff sharing them. Disposable aseptic stethoscope diaphragm barriers can provide increased safety without sacrificing stethoscope function. We recommend that the CDC consider the research regarding stethoscope hygiene and effective solutions to contemporize this guidance and elevate stethoscope hygiene to that of the hands, by requiring stethoscope disinfection or change of disposable barrier between every patient encounter.
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Sahiledengle B, Tekalegn Y, Bekele K, Tesemma A, Edward Quisido BJ. Disinfection of Stethoscope and Non-Infrared Thermometer: Practices of Physicians in Ethiopia in the Era of COVID-19. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 13:3245-3257. [PMID: 33447105 PMCID: PMC7802342 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s289125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stethoscopes and non-infrared thermometers are the customary medical equipment used by the physicians on a daily basis, among various patients. With the rise of potential infections in the healthcare facilities and the transmission nature of the current COVID-19 pandemic, consistent and correct disinfections of these devices after each use should not be pardoned. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the level of stethoscope and non-infrared thermometer disinfection practices among physicians involved in direct patient contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among physicians working in Ethiopia to assess their practice of stethoscope and non-infrared thermometer disinfection. The online survey was circulated using an anonymous and self-reporting questionnaire via Google form with a consent form appended to it. The developed Google form link was shared with physicians through their email addresses and social media pages. A descriptive summary was computed and presented by tables and figures. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated stethoscope and non-infrared thermometer after every use. RESULTS The proportion of stethoscope and non-infrared thermometer disinfections after every use was 13.9% (95% CI: 10.9-17.6) and 20.4% (95% CI: 16.7-24.5), respectively. Taking COVID-19 training (AOR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.29-4.92) and the availability of stethoscope disinfection materials at the workplace (AOR: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.29-7.10) were significantly increased the odds of stethoscope disinfection after every use. The odds of stethoscope disinfection after every use was significantly decreased for those who reported the use of shared stethoscope (AOR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.12-0.92). CONCLUSION Only a wee share of the respondents reported that they have disinfected their stethoscopes and non-infrared thermometers after every use - possibly jeopardizing both patients and clinicians safety, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biniyam Sahiledengle
- Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, School of Health Sciences, Public Health Department, Goba, Bale, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Tekalegn
- Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, School of Health Sciences, Public Health Department, Goba, Bale, Ethiopia
| | - Kebebe Bekele
- Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Department of Surgery, Goba, Bale, Ethiopia
| | - Abdi Tesemma
- Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Department of Surgery, Goba, Bale, Ethiopia
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