Anti-Microbials on Protective Apparel?

chenoaspirit, ASN, RN · Apr 18, 2008

Hmmm....I dont know. I used to buy inkpens that had it added. It sounds like a good idea but how much woud that cost healthcare vs the benefit.

Sunshine1979 · Apr 18, 2008

When you say benefit what do you mean? Do you think it is really necessary if proper protocol is followed?

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2008

If you use a new gown every time as well as a new mask I dont know how adding the anti microbials would help?

One of my pet peeves is staff who will use the same gown and mask through out the day, they just pin it to the pts cork board in the room or hang it on the bathroom hook.

I always grab a new one out of the package.

SweetOldWorld, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2008

So with all of the concern around hospital acquired infections, many manufacturers are talking about adding anti-microbials to protective apparel, like gloves, masks, isolation gowns, etc. What are your thoughts about adding this to items we were every day?

I think it's a bad idea and will contribute to an increase in antimicrobial-resistant organisms.

chenoaspirit, ASN, RN · Apr 19, 2008

When you say benefit what do you mean? Do you think it is really necessary if proper protocol is followed?

I was meaning that if we follow proper protocol, what added benefit would it add. If we gown, mask, and glove...what more protection would that provide. It sounds like a good idea, but I dont know that it would provide much benefit if we follow precautions.

And I agree about the antimicrobial-resistant organisms.

Sunshine1979 · Apr 21, 2008

If you use a new gown every time as well as a new mask I dont know how adding the anti microbials would help?
One of my pet peeves is staff who will use the same gown and mask through out the day, they just pin it to the pts cork board in the room or hang it on the bathroom hook.
I always grab a new one out of the package.

Why are proper protocols not followed today? What can be done to improve adherence to protocol?