Many people in Washington State require treatment in a hospital at some time. This may entail a short visit to an emergency room or a more lengthy multi-day stay in a hospital. Either way, depending upon their conditions, they might be at an increased risk of contracting an infection which would make it vital that health care professionals take proper steps to avoid unnecessary contamination.
Healthcare Finance recently reported on the results of observations conducted that looked specifically at the practices by medical professionals when it comes to use of personal protective equipment. The conveyance of infection was one concern that led to the observations. The results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and showed serious lack of adherence to the stated procedures and processes.
Among the issues found were professionals who properly wore equipment like gloves but then touched their hair, glasses, cell phone or other items with gloved hands and then touched the patient afterwards. Another problem involved the entry into a patient’s room without first donning protective equipment and subsequently touching a patient. All cases observed involved signage indicating that protection was required yet this clearly did not happen. This study highlights the need for more education and awareness of the problem among health care workers.
Patients or their family members in Washington State who are concerned that a lack of adherence to protocol may have exposed them to an infection while in the hospital might find it useful to talk with an attorney about their options.