Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology
https://bjan-sba.org/journal/rba/article/doi/10.1016/j.bjane.2021.08.013
Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology
Original Investigation

Mobile phones of anesthesiologists as reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria in a quaternary teaching hospital: an observational study

Telefones celulares de anestesiologistas como reservatórios de bactérias nosocomiais em um hospital universitário quaternário: um estudo observacional

Guilherme Haelvoet Correa, Carla de Souza Formigoni, Suzethe Matiko Sasagawa, Mariana Volpe Arnoni, Lígia Andrade da Silva Telles Mathias, Marcelo Jennè Mimica

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Abstract

Background
Mobile phones in hospital settings have been identified as an important source of cross-contamination because of the low frequency with which mobile phones are cleaned by health workers and cyclical contamination of the hands and face. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the mobile phones of the anesthesia team at a teaching hospital are potential reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria. In addition, differences in device sanitization and hand hygiene habits between attending and resident anesthesiologists were correlated with mobile phone colonization.

Methods
A prevalence study was conducted over a 6-month period from 2017 to 2018 that involved the collection of samples from the mobile phones of the anesthesiology team and culturing for surveillance. A questionnaire was administered to assess the mobile phone sanitization and hand washing routines of the anesthesia team in specific situations.

Results
Bacterial contamination was detected for 86 of the 128 mobile phones examined (67.2%). A greater presence of Micrococcus spp. on devices was correlated with a higher frequency of mobile phone use (p = 0.003) and a lower frequency of sanitization (p = 0.003). The presence of bacteria was increased on the mobile phones of professionals who did not perform handwashing after tracheal intubation (p = 0.003).

Conclusion
Hand hygiene and device sanitization habits were more important than the use behavior, as a higher presence of bacteria correlated with poorer hygiene habits. Furthermore, handwashing is the best approach to prevent serious colonization of mobile devices and the possible transmission of pathogens to patients under the care of anesthesiologists.

Keywords

Bacterial colonization;  Infection prevention;  Patient care;  Quality measures

Resumo

Introdução

Os telemóveis em ambientes hospitalares foram identificados como uma importante fonte de contaminação cruzada devido à baixa frequência com que os telemóveis são limpos pelos profissionais de saúde e à contaminação cíclica das mãos e da face. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar se os telefones celulares da equipe de anestesia de um hospital universitário são potenciais reservatórios de bactérias nosocomiais. Além disso, as diferenças na higienização do dispositivo e nos hábitos de higiene das mãos entre anestesiologistas assistentes e residentes foram correlacionadas com a colonização de telefones celulares.

Métodos

Foi realizado um estudo de prevalência durante um período de 6 meses, de 2017 a 2018, que envolveu a coleta de amostras dos telefones celulares da equipe de anestesiologia e cultura para vigilância. Foi aplicado um questionário para avaliar as rotinas de higienização do celular e lavagem das mãos da equipe de anestesia em situações específicas.

Resultados

A contaminação bacteriana foi detectada em 86 dos 128 celulares examinados (67,2%). Maior presença de Micrococcus spp. em dispositivos foi correlacionada com maior frequência de uso do celular (p = 0,003) e menor frequência de higienização (p = 0,003). A presença de bactérias aumentou nos celulares dos profissionais que não realizaram a higienização das mãos após a intubação traqueal (p = 0,003).

Conclusão

Os hábitos de higienização das mãos e de higienização dos aparelhos foram mais importantes do que o comportamento de uso, pois maior presença de bactérias se correlacionou com piores hábitos de higiene. Além disso, a higienização das mãos é a melhor abordagem para prevenir a colonização grave de dispositivos móveis e a possível transmissão de patógenos aos pacientes sob os cuidados de anestesiologistas.

Palavras-chave

Colonização bacteriana; Prevenção de infecções; Assistência ao paciente; Medidas de qualidade

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Submitted date:
02/05/2021

Accepted date:
08/28/2021

6154a6f5a953955592141d83 rba Articles
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