The Fox Business story noted: “When Cari Shane requested that her four-year-old’s pediatrician wash her hands before starting the exam, the doctor complied, but was upset. But Shane, who is a public relations executive, says if she were in the same position, she’d do the same thing all over again. What was more important? Having the doctor mad at me or protecting the health of my child?”
“Strict hand hygiene is the gold standard for reducing infections associated with health care-associated infections (HAIs), experts say. And when doctors, nurses and health care workers fall short, it’s important for patients to feel confident enough to speak up.”
“HAIs are a serious problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1.7 million HAIs occur in hospitals every year. Even worse, these HAIs result in 100,000 deaths and cost the health-care system billions of dollars every year …”
“Some 88% of all infections are transmitted by hands …,” “ What’s more…, year-upon-year statistics show only 50% compliance in hand hygiene among medical and support staff. Add in the compromised immune systems of post-operative patients, an increase in the number of older patients admitted to hospitals, then pile on the issue of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, failure to wash hands leads to high risk.”
“Don’t behave emotionally when asking for hand-washing compliance … Rationally identify your discomfort, then slow down and prepare to speak. The practice is a good rule of thumb for hand hygiene and also all patient/doctor engagement.”
Click here to read the full Fox Business article “Why You Need to Ask Doctors if they’ve Washed their Hands” by Barbara Mannino.
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Doctor, Did You Wash Your Hands? ™ provides information to consumers on understanding, managing and navigating health care options.
Jonathan M. Metsch, Dr.P.H., is Clinical Professor, Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Adjunct Professor, Baruch College ( C.U.N.Y.), Rutgers School of Public Health, and Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.
This blog shares general information about understanding and navigating the health care system. For specific medical advice about your own problems, issues and options talk to your personal physician.