The next time you go see doc, you might want to make
sure that their stethoscopes are clean because this going to make you uneasy
the next time to a checkup and see those things around their neck. A
stethoscope is probably one of the most common and regularly used tools by
physicians. You’d like to think that a stethoscope would be sterile when a
doctor uses it on you since they’re used so often but that tool actually has
the potential to spread germs from patient to patient and the article I read
explains why. The diaphragm (the round piece at the end of the rubber tube that
is placed on the patient’s body) can build with antibiotic-resistant bacteria
or “Superbugs.” Even potentially deadly MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus) can be found on
stethoscopes. The article even mentioned that doctors should change their usual
attire of a white coat and a neck tie because those articles of clothing can
become contaminated but cannot be washed off easily between patients. The article
did not suggest as to what type of clothing physicians might consider switching
to, in order to have a safety environment for patients.
Through a study that was conducted on 71 patients who
were examined with sterile gloves and a sterile stethoscope. At the end of the
study, researchers found that the majority bacteria were found on the diaphragm
and fingertips of the physician. They also found that contamination of the
stethoscope increased with contamination of the hands. I felt like the study
was lacking enough information because it didn’t mention if the stethoscope was
cleaned before each patient or if they disposed their gloves. I guess you would
assume that they would since they are doctors but there’s still a variable
which are the doctors who forget to clean their stethoscopes between patients.
I would have liked clarification that the data provided was from 100%
sterilization between patients. The author’s purpose was to promote good
hygiene among physicians being that he mentioned it a few times. Overall the
article was clear and well written.
http://consumer.healthday.com/infectious-disease-information-21/antibiotics-news-30/doctor-s-germ-laden-stethoscope-may-spread-nasty-bacteria-685307.html
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| http://www.examconquest.com/uploaded_files/fck/Stethoscope_around_doctor_s_neck_uid%283%29.jpg |
I ran across this article as well and found it really interesting. It's actually a little disturbing to think about how many patients that Stethoscope touches, not to mention a good portion of that is bare skin. You would think that the doctors would clean and sterilize it, but if not, someone certainly should. I understand that they pick up plenty of microbes on the clothes, but i don't really see how they can avoid that. Even if a new outfit for a doctor was used, it would still get microbes on it. It's really a tricky situation, i believe, and it won't be easy to solve. As for the stethoscope, they might want to consider changing the diaphragm or make it less susceptible to picking up microbes.
ReplyDeleteWow was this article interesting. I would have never thought that a stethoscope would be full of bacteria. This makes me wonder of what other items that are regularly used by doctors can also contain bacteria. It is also quite frightening to know that these "superbugs" and the potentially dangerous MSRA. This could be really dangerous if a doctor has a patient with a weak immune system. Hospitals should actually begin to implement new stricter guidelines on how to properly clean the stethoscope or something along those lines, maybe they can use disposable covers for each new patient that is attended. This article really changed my perspective on how clean and safe hospitals actually are, because people go to hospitals in order to get better and to potentially catch a deadly bacterial strain. This definitely raises many concerns in the medical field that should be addressed. This makes me wonder why they have not done something about it as soon as this was discovered.
ReplyDeleteHi, I am a PhD student in Dr. Northup's lab. An interesting follow up study to this would be to investigate the most effective methods for decontaminating the stethescopes after visiting a patient.
ReplyDeleteDid the information gained in this article connect to anything you've learned in Diana's lectures or readings? Why do you think this article would appeal to the audience of the medium where it was published? What did the author do best?
ReplyDelete