Exploring the practices employed by nurses in stethoscope care

Abstract

Background

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection may take place due to poor hygienic practices involving stethoscope utilization and cleaning. Despite possibility of infection that may occur in stethoscopes used in hospitals, nurses have a great role in eliminating this infection through stethoscope care, meticulously and regularly provided before and after patient care.

Objective

The specific aim of the study was to explore the practices employed by nurses in different hospitals in Pampanga regarding the care of stethoscope.

Method

A validated questionnaire containing the items of the study was administered to 211 nurses in different hospitals of Pampanga. Quantitative data were group according to frequency and percentage distributions and were analyzed and interpreted using literature review.

Results

Findings revealed a minority of nurses who had their own stethoscope, where majority of which relied on hospital supply of stethoscope in their practice in the clinical area. Stethoscopes were cleaned infrequently before and after patient care using alcohol swab.

Discussion

Findings support the need for regular cleaning of stethoscope before and after patient contact using isopropyl alcohol. Though the study has not been supported by microscopic determination of MRSA in stethoscopes, frequent stethoscope care is advocated to prevent bacterial contamination of the said instrument, thereby eliminating possibility of nosocomial infection to patients and to health care providers.

Conclusion

Stethoscopes carry clinically significant pathogenic microorganisms. The study implied a starting point of developing recommendations for disinfection policy review in minimizing cross-infection that is greatly reduced by regular stethoscope disinfection.