What procedures do you have in place for visitors?

[MaryAnn_RN]

I am an RN, working in a small general ICU in England. Our nursing team is currently looking at all aspects of infection control and I have been asked to look at visitors to the ICU.

At the moment all visitors are asked to apply alcohol gel to their hands on entering and leaving the unit. We do not routinely ask them to wear gloves and aprons - exception being barrier nursing. I think we need to tighten up our practice.

It would be very helpful to get an idea of what is accepted in the States and Canada so my question is: what do you do in your unit?

I would be very grateful for any responses.

Mary

[sycamoreleave]

I am a nurse in Germany on a 12-bed ICU. Here we ask all visitors entering surgical ICU-Patients to wear gloves and gowns, if they have a cold or flu they are supposed to wear a mask in addition. Don´t know if that is evidence based practice though.

[stressgal, RN]

We currently rapid screen every patient admited for MRSA. Needless to say we get alot of patients from ECF's who come back positive. They are placed in contact isolation, the family/visitor is educated and a sign and cart with gloves and gowns are placed at the rooms entrance. Do the family and visitors comply? Mostly no. All we can do is our best in an attempt to educate and prevent the spread of disease. I had a patient a couple of weeks ago who had a nasty active shingles infection and family were attempting to take two small children into the room even after they were educated. Not on my watch. I so wish for the days of restricted visitation. :)