We as Nurses know this one. We even know little cute ways to know how long to wash them(i.e. alphabet song, happy birthday, etc.). A new study conducted by our University Hospital's Medical Tech Program reminded me that Bacterial Colonies, Fungal Spores, and Viruses love the things we touch the most!
Here is the list of the top 10 "most infected" surfaces according to 10 Students swabbing 218 Inpatient Hospital Items.
10. Toilet Flush Lever
9. Soap Dispenser Button
8. Salt/Pepper Shaker in Staff Cafeteria(see #6)
7. Rim of sink(cleaned daily)
6. Cafeteria Cleaning rag
5. An Elevator button(Ground Floor)
4. Water Fountain Handle
3. (TIE) A Patient's Bed's TV Button and Handle of a Patient's Thermos
2. A Stethoscope's Bell(Owned by Infection Control RN)
1. Nursing Desk Phone
..."best(Worst?) in show"? The "S" key of one of the "Staff Only" Computers. Now I think "Staph Computer" may better sum it up.
"Dishonorable" Mentions: Some surfaces' ranks that didn't make the top 10 included a toilet seat(#88), a hearing aid(#31), a BSC(#47), an Emesis Basin(#20), a used tube of Wound Gel (#11), and an abandoned pair of Dentures left in moist Zip-Lock bag (#12)!!!
Do you have any advice for Infection Control Methods?
What are some disturbing things you have seen, that, if given the authority to change, it would be safer/more sanitary?
Do you wash your hands in patients' room for them to witness?
Is enough hand hygiene taught at your facility, and if so do you see it being followed?
Feel free to answer one or more, or just leave a comment if you wish.