Bacterial contamination of computer and hand hygiene compliance in the emergency department

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the degree and nature of bacterial contamination of computer equipment in three Korean emergency departments (ED).Methods: Hand hygiene practices of ED doctors and nurses were observed before contact with computer equipment. Microbiological swab s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hong Kong journal of emergency medicine 2012-11, Vol.19 (6), p.387-393
Main Authors: Hong, DY, Park, SO, Lee, KR, Baek, KJ, Moon, HW, Han, SB, Shin, DH
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Care and hygiene
Cross infection
Hand
handwashing
infection control
Medical personnel
Nosocomial infections
Prevention
Staphylococcus aureus infections
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Summary:Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the degree and nature of bacterial contamination of computer equipment in three Korean emergency departments (ED).Methods: Hand hygiene practices of ED doctors and nurses were observed before contact with computer equipment. Microbiological swab samples were obtained from 112 multiple-user computer keyboards and electronic mice in the ED of three teaching hospitals. Isolated organisms were identified by a clinical microbiologist using Gram stain, colony morphology, and susceptibility test. Results: Of the 112 samples, 103 (92.0%) showed growth of organisms on culture. Thirty-eight (33.9%) pieces of computer equipment yielded multiple bacterial species. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most common microorganism isolated (85.7%). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was obtained from two keyboards in two hospitals (1.8%). Hand hygiene compliance was observed on 29.9% occasions. Hand hygiene compliance after patient contact (38.0%) was higher than after other environmental contact (20.7%).Conclusions: Multiple user computer equipment in the ED may serve as reservoirs for nosocomial infection. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after using all ED equipment, including computer equipment.
ISSN:1024-9079
2309-5407
DOI:10.1177/102490791201900603