Rather than pandering to populism regarding hospital cleanliness, politicians should pay careful attention to the evidence on how to prevent HAIs (hospital-acquire infections), according to an Editorial in The Lancet, this week’s issue.
The Editorial discusses the announcement by Alan Johnson, UK Health Secretary, about government initiatives to tackle HAIs. Alan Johnson talked about ‘bare below the elbows’- meaning clinical staff should wear short sleeves.
As the Health Secretary stated that “there is no conclusive evidence that uniforms and work clothes pose a significant hazard in terms of spreading infection”, the Editorial wonders on what basis the Health Secretary made his ‘bare below the elbows’ recommendation. The writer suggests the evidence is no more than slightly above guesswork.
The Editorial also discusses the pledge for “ward-by-ward cleaning in hospitals” made by Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. The author writes “But disinfection of high-touch surfaces is what is needed, more so than removing visible dirt. The public understandably wants clean wards and crisp uniforms, but politicians must stop pandering to populism about hospital cleanliness and listen to the evidence. Brown also plans to double the number of hospital matrons, to check on ward cleaning, and accost doctors wearing long sleeves. They would be better employed making sure doctors, nurses and visitors wash their hands properly, the proven way to stop hospital acquired infections.”
Written by: Christian Nordqvist