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Potential infection control risks associated with roaming healthcare industry representatives
H Schiffers1,2, S Zaatreh3,2, W Mittelmeier3
1The Physician Executive MBA, University of Tennessee, USA - based in Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Journal of Infection Prevention
|October 10, 2017
Summary
Healthcare industry representatives (HCIR) show inadequate hygiene training and vaccination rates, posing infection risks. Improving these areas is crucial to prevent cross-hospital contamination and protect patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare infection control
- Occupational health in hospitals
- Medical device industry practices
Background:
- Healthcare industry representatives (HCIR) frequently access sensitive hospital areas daily.
- Proximity to caregivers and patients highlights potential infection transmission risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current hygiene training and vaccination status of HCIR.
- To compare HCIRs' hygiene practices with those of hospital physicians and nurses.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous intercept study using questionnaires was conducted.
- 311 participants (HCIR, nurses, physicians) completed the survey post-MEDICA Congress.
- Valid participants included 208 HCIR, 49 nurses, and 41 physicians.
Main Results:
- HCIR frequently accessed high-risk areas: outpatient clinics (51.9%), operating rooms (41.8%), CSSD (33.7%), and ICUs (32.7%).
- HCIR accessing sensitive areas had lower hygiene training scores and significantly lower Hepatitis B vaccination rates (37.5%) compared to physicians (70.7%) and nurses (53.1%).
Conclusions:
- HCIRs' hygiene training and vaccination status are inadequate, increasing infection risks.
- HCIRs may unknowingly transmit infections between different healthcare facilities.
- Enhanced infection control measures and training for HCIR are urgently needed.
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