Dirty Stethscopes

[Rebjane]

As a nurse myself; I always wipe down my stethoscope, but honesty did not prior to having my CF daughter.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/201...s-much-dirty-work-as-hands-in-spreading-germs

 

[Ratatosk]

I know when ds was in the hospital a few years ago, they had a stethoscope which stayed in the room with us for the RTs and nurses to use. Last peds appointment I was so careful about handwashing, not touching the toys in the waiting room, etc and the first thing the doctor does when he comes into the room is hands ds his stethoscope to play with... Ish! And don't get me started on neckties! Noticed our CF doctor stopped wearing one after a study came out about germs.

 

[Printer]

On my last several hospital stays, at both Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital, an "dedicated" stethoscope was brought to my room and left there for everyone to use. No other stethoscopes were allowed in my room.

Bill

 

[Aboveallislove]

And did you notice how carefully the doctors cleaned the ear pieces they were sticking in their own ears! Do your cf doctors during quarterly wipes the entire thing or only the round metal thing? Ours and other doctors only do the later and the story spoke of the rubber part being nasty too.

 

[LittleLab4CF]

Over a year ago at least, I noticed my CF specialist come into the exam room with a brand new in the bag stethoscope and a sterile disposable smock. Both went in the trash as he finished and left! My first thought was a bit of disbelief and after a couple repeats of the new procedure I had to comment about it. He did give one to me after my exam and it is a pulmonary quality stethoscope. They purchase them as a disposable devices and in the quantities they purchase I doubt they exceed $20. That's cheap insurance in a world where your next infection could be your last. I applaud NJH for proactive approaches like this.

LL

 

[nmw0615]

I completely agree, LL. I always made sure my docs used an alcohol wipe on the stethoscope, but NJH's new policy is amazing. I've even taken one of the disposable stethoscopes home and given it to the little boy I take care of, after wiping every little part down with alcohol (he wants to be a doctor so he can "fix me," so this was the best gift ever).