I had to post this one. I was watching GOOD MORNING AMERICA. After The interview with Brad Pitt, they started talking about hospital infections. It was very interesting.
My only problem, they did not mention that alot of these "super bugs" are the result of the misuse of antibiotics by the public
Many Americans may not realize it, but some hospitals in the United States are rampant with infection-causing bacteria. According to some experts, more than 100,000 people die every year from infections contracted in hospitals.
This morning, Betsy McCaughey, founder of the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths, appeared on "Good Morning America" to talk to viewers about how they can protect themselves from contracting infections in hospitals. Some of her tips include:
* Don't be afraid to ask the doctor to wash his or her hands and clean stethoscope or other equipment with alcohol.
* At least a week before surgery, start using an antibacterial soap and don't shave, which can cause nicks and cuts for bacteria to enter.
* Ask your doctor about taking pre-surgery antibiotics.
* Limit the number of people in the operating room.
* Try to avoid the use of a urinary catheter if possible -- they are a commom infection entry point.
If you'd like more information, go to hospitalinfectionrates.org.
Specializes in Telemetry, ICU, Resource Pool, Dialysis.
I have been hearing a lot about candida turning into a nasty superbug. Seems it is causing all sorts of problems that are often overlooked until a crisis develops. Anybody else getting this information?
I don't think I've heard about it, but I can totally see how it's happening. With the rise in infection ->the rise in abx use = rise in yeast proliferation. Treat that ineffectively, and walaaa.
Specializes in Telemetry, ICU, Resource Pool, Dialysis.
What she said about the pre-op abx was "pre-op abx is a standard of care and it is often overlooked by hospital staff".....that may be an exact quote.....not sure if word for word but she did make that statement.....I remember b/c that bothered me some, also.
If this is true - that she said it's "often overlooked by hospital staff", I'm glad I didn't watch it. It's not something I have ever seen overlooked. I'd like to see the research behind that.
In my opinion, who ever it was from GMA that summarized what was said on the show, did not do it accurately. Granted, I did not see it, but I find it hard to believe that a person in Betsy McCaughey's position would make such generalized statements. Whatever she did say, would more than likely be on the same basis as everyone here. However, when they only give so many minutes for such a topic, unreasonable generalizations, such as these by GMA, are made. I agree that the suggestions made are unreasonable and even dangerous, if interpreted the wrong way by the public.
In my opinion, who ever it was from GMA that summarized what was said on the show, did not do it accurately. Granted, I did not see it, but I find it hard to believe that a person in Betsy McCaughey's position would make such generalized statements. Whatever she did say, would more than likely be on the same basis as everyone here. However, when they only give so many minutes for such a topic, unreasonable generalizations, such as these by GMA, are made. I agree that the suggestions made are unreasonable and even dangerous, if interpreted the wrong way by the public.
Jen
The point, as I posted them where taken exactly from the GMA website. They were also the bulleted talking point used during the interview. I have it on Tivo and have just watched it again.
Yes it is a summary and does not include all the points, but it is what GMA posted.
EDIT.... I am modifying this post because according to the censors I did not I did not respond correctly.
They should have included more of what she said on the GMA website.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Are you sure she wasn't talking about washing with the antibacterial soap for a week pre-op?
I can't imagine that she actually said to take abxs for a week pre-op. I think she specifically stated one hour before surgery.
But Begalli, we have to think beyond basic bacteria. Like resistant yeast/candida infections. And abx-resistant bacterial strains that are now showing up OUTSIDE the hospitals.
I don't see how washing with antibacterial soaps and taking ABX excessively is helpful----I think it may be more harmful. There are already studies suggesting we are overusing antibacterial soaps in the home and in day to day cleaning. I stopped buying these things myself.
Personally, I can see where superstrains of bacteria and yeasts and other microbes can be brought about by such "precautions" suggested by GMA.
And IF hospitals are falling beneath standard of care pre-operatively, I, too want to see the actual RESEARCH on that. Making claims on TV is easy to do and sells easily, unfortunately. Damage is done everyday by such reports. Rarely, is the consumer getting the WHOLE story. It's dangerous and scary.
I think that the anti-bacterial soaps like Dial, Lever, etc are not used properly in the first place. I have read that to be effective, these soaps have to be left on the skin for at least a minute and a half and you must scrub vigorously. This article, which I found in a two-second internet search - I'm sure there are better ones, says these soaps require a 30-45 sec scrub to be effective, but I still don't think anyone who washes their hands at home scrub or let the soap sit on their skin for that long. They rinse it immediately which makes the soap absolutely usless for it's claimed benefit. Maybe in the shower the soap has an opportunity to do some killing, but really, how long does that last?
And do you think my kid rinses from his wrists with his fingers pointing down? HA! Think he grabs a paper towel to turn on faucets in public, etc (well my kid does, but I'm willing to bet 9 out of 10 don't and this includes adults).
Have you ever read the container of ciba-stat (is that what it's called?) that's frequently used in the hospital? How many of us follow the directions on that bottle? How effective is that antibacterial scrub if it's not used according to the label?
The rinses that are left on the skin like purell, etc are more effective in killing bacteria, but whose going to douse themselves in this stuff for a week pre-op without showering?
The soap companies are so misleading with these soaps, but they sure are making a killing (:chuckle ) selling them as safeguards against those natsy bacteria while ignoring the fact that they do absolutely nil with viruses.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
I think that the anti-bacterial soaps like Dial, Lever, etc are not used properly in the first place. I have read that to be effective, these soaps have to be left on the skin for at least a minute and a half and you must scrub vigorously. This article, which I found in a two-second internet search - I'm sure there are better ones, says these soaps require a 30-45 sec scrub to be effective, but I still don't think anyone who washes their hands at home scrub or let the soap sit on their skin for that long. They rinse it immediately which makes the soap absolutely usless for it's claimed benefit. Maybe in the shower the soap has an opportunity to do some killing, but really, how long does that last?
And do you think my kid rinses from his wrists with his fingers pointing down? HA! Think he grabs a paper towel to turn on faucets in public, etc (well my kid does, but I'm willing to bet 9 out of 10 don't and this includes adults).
Have you ever read the container of ciba-stat (is that what it's called?) that's frequently used in the hospital? How many of us follow the directions on that bottle? How effective is that antibacterial scrub if it's not used according to the label?
The rinses that are left on the skin like purell, etc are more effective in killing bacteria, but whose going to douse themselves in this stuff for a week pre-op without showering?
The soap companies are so misleading with these soaps, but they sure are making a killing (:chuckle ) selling them as safeguards against those natsy bacteria while ignoring the fact that they do absolutely nil with viruses.
The point, as I posted them where taken exactly from the GMA website. They were also the bulleted talking point used during the interview. I have it on Tivo and have just watched it again.
Yes it is a summary and does not include all the points, but it is what GMA posted.
EDIT.... I am modifying this post because according to the censors I did not I did not respond correctly.
They should have included more of what she said on the GMA website.
Yes, I know that is what was summarized on the GMA website, word for word. I read the same thing myself. That is why I put that "In my opinion, who ever it was from GMA that summarized what was said, did not do it accuratly". I did NOT say that the post on here was inacurate!! Please read my post again and you will see that I do agree with mostly everyone here, however, I have a feeling that Betsy did mean more than what was stated. Most importantly, I did say in my post that I did not see the show. I am gathering, from what you are saying, that what was posted on GMA website was used as an outline on the show. Am I correct? Really this is all pointess b/c I did not see the show. I simply stated my opinion from the thread.
Yes, I know that is what was summarized on the GMA website, word for word. I read the same thing myself. That is why I put that "In my opinion, who ever it was from GMA that summarized what was said, did not do it accuratly". I did NOT say that the post on here was inacurate!! Please read my post again and you will see that I do agree with mostly everyone here, however, I have a feeling that Betsy did mean more than what was stated. Most importantly, I did say in my post that I did not see the show. I am gathering, from what you are saying, that what was posted on GMA website was used as an outline on the show. Am I correct? Really this is all pointess b/c I did not see the show. I simply stated my opinion from the thread.
Jen
Jen I don't disagree with you. I did not word or adjust my post correctly to reflect that I suspect. Sorry for the confusion.
Those were the talking points but they really should have included more of the interview transcript at their website. We agree on that.
I have an issue about not putting in foleys. Mind you, I work mostly Ortho. LOL with a Fx hip goes to the OR, they replace the hip and then are sent to PACU and then to the floor, no foley. I don't know about you guys, but if I had my hip replaced, I may not want to have to use a bed pan for a day or 2. On top of the post op confusion, the pain would just be unreal. I have put foleys in to spare them futher pain, but should we have to wait for them to be awake after Sx to do it? Put it in in the OR. Take it out P.O. day 2-3. With the pre and post op abx, it should cut down on the UTI's and decrease the pain in the post-op period. How humane is it to cause so much pain in a 94 year old? Even with good pain control, turning a patient with new hip has got to be excruciating for them. If they wet the bed evry hour, that will increase the risk of skin breakdown and becomes another site for infection. After 2 days they can get up without screaming, and they have had a session or 2 with physio to learn how to get up properly. JMHO.
pricklypear
1,060 Posts
I don't think I've heard about it, but I can totally see how it's happening. With the rise in infection ->the rise in abx use = rise in yeast proliferation. Treat that ineffectively, and walaaa.