Quantitative assessment of interactions between hospitalized patients and portable medical equipment and other fomites
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Nuntra Suwantarat1, Laura A Supple1, Jennifer L Cadnum2
1Research Service, Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.
Abstract:
In an observational study, we demonstrated that hospitalized patients frequently had direct or indirect interactions with medical equipment and other fomites that are shared among patients, and these items were often contaminated with health care-associated pathogens. There is a need for protocols to ensure routine cleaning of shared portable equipment.
Insights
Hospitalized patients often touch shared medical equipment contaminated with pathogens. Routine cleaning protocols are essential to prevent the spread of health care-associated infections (HAIs).
Area of Science:
- Infection control
- Hospital epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Shared medical equipment and fomites are potential reservoirs for pathogens in healthcare settings.
- Patient interactions with these items are frequent, posing a risk for pathogen transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of patient contact with shared medical equipment.
- To assess the contamination levels of shared equipment with health care-associated pathogens.
- To highlight the need for improved cleaning protocols for shared equipment.
Main Methods:
- Observational study design.
- Documenting patient interactions with shared medical equipment and fomites.
- Microbiological assessment of equipment contamination.
Main Results:
- Hospitalized patients frequently interacted directly or indirectly with shared medical equipment.
- A significant proportion of shared equipment was contaminated with health care-associated pathogens.
- Evidence of pathogen transmission pathways via fomites was observed.
Conclusions:
- Shared medical equipment poses a significant risk for pathogen transmission in hospitals.
- Current cleaning practices may be insufficient to mitigate contamination risks.
- Development and implementation of robust cleaning protocols for shared portable equipment are urgently needed to enhance patient safety.
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