Patients' Bath Basins as Potential Sources of Infection
Patients' Bath Basins as Potential Sources of Infection
We conclude that bath basins are a reservoir for bacteria and that further investigations into bath basins as a potential source of transmission of HAI are warranted. Increased awareness of bath basins as a possible source of bacterial cross-contamination is necessary, particularly in high-risk patients. In addition, alternative bathing methods should be investigated. Our findings are a call to action to health care providers to develop and implement protocols for patients' bathing that address the potential for patients' exposure to pathogens. A system that uses prepackaged bathing supplies could be a useful adjunct to such a protocol.
Conclusion
We conclude that bath basins are a reservoir for bacteria and that further investigations into bath basins as a potential source of transmission of HAI are warranted. Increased awareness of bath basins as a possible source of bacterial cross-contamination is necessary, particularly in high-risk patients. In addition, alternative bathing methods should be investigated. Our findings are a call to action to health care providers to develop and implement protocols for patients' bathing that address the potential for patients' exposure to pathogens. A system that uses prepackaged bathing supplies could be a useful adjunct to such a protocol.
Source...