Common and Best Nail Practices Among Nail Care Providers: A Descriptive Study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare
• Nursing
• Podiatry

Background:

• Safe nail care practices are crucial for preventing infections and complications, especially in vulnerable patient populations.
• Understanding current practices among nail care providers is essential for identifying gaps and improving patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify common and best practices for safe nail care delivery among healthcare professionals.
• To assess the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by providers and for patients during nail care procedures.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study utilizing an online survey distributed to nurses and physicians providing nail care.
• The survey targeted healthcare professionals within a large Midwest healthcare system, including those in hospital and community settings.
• Distribution methods included email invitations and postings on professional online forums and social media platforms.

Main Results:

• A total of 246 surveys were returned, with a high percentage of respondents holding certifications from recognized nursing boards.
• Most providers reported using PPE for themselves during nail care procedures like filing and trimming.
• However, only about one-fourth of providers reported offering patient protection during these procedures, indicating a significant gap in practice.

Conclusions:

• Patient protection during nail care should align with the PPE utilized by the healthcare provider.
• There is a need for further research to develop a national consensus guideline for best practices and patient protections in all nail care settings.