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Pertinacious habit on a rehabilitation unit: repetitive finger licking while paging through the clinical chart
Myron M LaBan1, Jitendra Singh, Victoria Moll
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, William Beaumont Hospital, 3601 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA.
Abstract:
A survey was performed to determine the frequency of unrecognized repetitive licking of fingers while reviewing hospital charts by various healthcare professionals who, by this habit, may be putting themselves at risk of acquiring a nosocomial infection. Nine of 14 charts demonstrated the presence of Staphylococci aureus, cultures obtained from three of nine charts grew methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and six grew methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. Of the 50 healthcare professionals surveyed, five (10%) admitted to habitual repetitive licking of fingers while reviewing charts. In addition, 30 (60%) of those surveyed had observed other professionals doing so. Forty-seven (94%) acknowledged that they did not routinely wash their hands after reviewing the charts, potentially placing themselves at risk of acquiring a nosocomial infection. As an immediate consequence of this study, staff members have been encouraged to wash their hands before and after reviewing a patient's chart.
Insights
Healthcare professionals may risk nosocomial infections by licking fingers while reviewing charts. Many charts contained Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, yet handwashing was infrequent.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Healthcare professionals may engage in habits that increase nosocomial infection risk.
- Repetitive finger licking during chart review is a potential transmission route for pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of finger-licking habits among healthcare professionals during chart review.
- To identify bacterial contamination on hospital charts and correlate it with professional habits.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among healthcare professionals regarding finger-licking habits.
- Hospital charts were cultured for bacterial contamination, specifically Staphylococcus aureus.
- Hand hygiene practices post-chart review were assessed.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was found on 9 of 14 charts, with 3 positive for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).
- 10% of surveyed professionals admitted to habitual finger licking, and 60% observed this in others.
- 94% did not routinely wash hands after chart review, increasing infection risk.
Conclusions:
- Finger licking during chart review poses a significant risk for nosocomial infections.
- Hospital charts can harbor dangerous bacteria like MRSA.
- Immediate interventions included encouraging handwashing before and after chart review.
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