For the study, researchers took samples from 399 patients admitted to two hospitals in southeast Michigan within 24 hours of arrival to their hospital room. Samples were taken on admission, day three, day seven and weekly until a patient’s discharge.
Four study findings:
1. Fourteen percent of patients carried a multidrug-resistant organism when first tested upon admission.
2. Of these individuals, ten percent had a multidrug-resistant organism on their hands.
3. Researchers found multidrug-resistant organisms in 29 percent of patient rooms.
4. Six percent of patients tested positive for a newly acquired multidrug-resistant organism on their hands during their hospital stay.
“Our data suggest that patient hand contamination with [multidrug-resistant organisms] is common and correlates with contamination on high-touch room surfaces,” researchers concluded. “Patient hand-hygiene protocols should be considered to reduce transmission of pathogens and healthcare-associated infections.”
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
Report: Veteran’s leg amputated after VA fails to log home care appointments
ICU healthcare workers have low hand hygiene compliance, study finds
Duodenoscope contamination rates higher than expected, says FDA
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.