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quote:

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Originally posted by cave76:

As a side-shoot, stop abx in food animals. Oh, how silly that idea is----

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Oh no, Cave...That couldn't possibly make a difference!

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--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged | 

posted                      

quote:

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Originally posted by Lymetoo:
Hayley....Why does it cost money to wash your hands?? Soap is way less expensive than the cost to the hospital and patient if an infection occurs.

I hear your frustration loud and clear! Keep it up!!

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Tutu,

There is ever evolving research and thought as to what type of handwashing technique and materials are best.

As you probably know, soap in a hostpial setting is not your run of the mill Ivory, etc. Diff hospitals use diff soaps, w/ some sort/level of antimicrobial action.

However, my point in saying "surgical scrub" is that that particuar technique combines a good thorough scrubbing for (depending where you look, work) many minutes, including under fingernails. It is known and established that the mechanical action of washing increases effectiveness. There is practically no additional expense here.

There are kits available that include a scrub brush or sponge and a nail tool, as well as soap w/ various antimicrobial action. ($$$ here)

In our only level 4 trauma center, on most of the floors, you do not see initial intense handwashing. Only on oncology, in surg depts, etc.

You are correct that the cost of handwashing is nothing compared to the cost (both to the patient and the agency) of nosocomial infections that can be traced to ineffective handwashing.

But, in practice, I just don't see it happening. I see people washing their hands, like you would after using the bathroom, but not for 3 minutes or more and with specialized soaps and tools.

The specialized soaps cost $$$, and then you have the continually evolving thought about this or that soap's efficacy, and adjunctive considerations like lotions and problems w/ skin as a result of the chemicals used, etc and seemingly on and on.

I just think a good standard mandatory practice of long mechanical scrubs should be done for every oncoming shift for all personel, using the best possible soap. But, who polices the evryday working personel? Nobody really.

It's an honor system, like when we sit down for dinner and I hear "Yessss, Mommmm, I washed my hands." They know they are supposed to wash their hands, but did they just get them wet? did they use soap at all? Do they really care? For kids, you expect and anticipate ... then inspect and make them go "really" wash their hands.

But, in healthcare settings, there are no 'moms' to make sure its really happening, and it just often doesn't.

Climbing down off my soapbox now ,

H

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"Data over dogma, Evidence over egos, Patients over politics" -- one smart dude from Missouri

Posts: 112 | From TN USA | Registered: Nov 2005  |  IP: Logged |