Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2025
09:03
Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
5.0K
Assessing changes in stethoscope hygiene during COVID-19: a multi-centre cross-sectional study
R S Vasudevan1, M A Nedjat-Haiem2, A Mahadevan3
1Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|June 7, 2022
Summary
Stethoscope hygiene practices significantly improved during the COVID-19 pandemic, with optimal cleaning increasing. However, about half of healthcare providers still do not practice optimal stethoscope hygiene, especially early-career physicians.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Healthcare Epidemiology
- Medical Device Hygiene
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic heightened infection control awareness.
- Stethoscopes pose a risk for pathogen transmission.
- Pandemic-related changes in stethoscope hygiene were previously uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess shifts in healthcare provider stethoscope hygiene practices.
- To compare pre-pandemic and during-pandemic hygiene behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative survey assessed stethoscope hygiene beliefs and practices.
- Healthcare providers from three major medical centers participated.
- Participants were categorized based on optimal hygiene performance (cleaning after every patient).
Main Results:
- Optimal stethoscope hygiene increased from 27.4% to 55.0% during the pandemic (P < 0.001).
- Knowledge of stethoscope contamination and belief in its significance significantly increased (P < 0.001).
- Resident physicians were less likely to adopt optimal hygiene compared to attending physicians and nurses (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Stethoscope hygiene improved during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Optimal hygiene practices remain suboptimal in approximately half of providers.
- Targeted educational interventions for early-career providers are recommended.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure
612
Tracheostomy suctioning is a vital nursing procedure that involves removing secretions from the tracheostomy tube to maintain airway patency and prevent respiratory complications. Nurses need to understand the proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning to ensure patient safety and comfort. In this guide, we will outline the step-by-step process for performing tracheostomy suctioning, including preparing the sterile field, donning personal protective equipment (PPE), lubricating and connecting...
612
01:25Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
484
Tracheostomy care is an essential nursing skill that involves cleaning and maintaining a tracheostomy tube to prevent infection and other complications. Here's a step-by-step guide explaining each procedure with its rationale. Note that disposable gloves are to be worn at all times and changed as often as needed to maintain a sterile work environment, and to protect both patient and healthcare worker.
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
484
01:17Assessment of apical pulse
1.2K
Assessing the Apical Pulse
Assessing the apical pulse is a critical nursing procedure, particularly indicated for:
Assessing the apical pulse is a critical nursing procedure, particularly indicated for:
1.2K
01:16Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps
407
A tracheostomy is a surgical technique that involves making an incision in the neck to provide access to the trachea. It is frequently used in medical conditions such as airway obstruction and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Effective nursing management is crucial for the long-term success of a tracheostomy.
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
407
01:23Assessment of Respiration
1.3K
The respiratory system's basic structures and primary functions lay the foundation for nurses' comprehensive respiratory assessments. This assessment includes subjective and objective data to gauge the patient's respiratory health.
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
1.3K
01:26Standard Precaution
2.2K
Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
2.2K