Virginia Bren, RN, MPH, CIC
All those keyboards, computer mice and touchscreens popping up in your ORs? They might be great for efficiency, but they could also be harboring a hidden infection risk. Take our acute care hospital, for example. Soon after we implemented an electronic health record system, we noticed a significant rise in hospital-onset MRSA rates. The likely culprits? All that computer equipment in almost every patient care area, giving bacteria more places to hide. After noticing this spike, we made the thorough cleaning of keyboards and gear and improving hand hygiene immediate priorities. Here's how we did it.
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