Montreal Doctors Get Slapped on the Hand
MONTREAL-An internal study at a hospital of the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal has found that fewer than one in four doctors wash their hands and wear gloves when examining patients.
The study's author, Vivian Loo, MD, director of infection control at the McGill institution said most Canadian and American hospitals are facing the same problem.
Nurses are also not following protocol. The study showed that 40% were washing their hands to protect patients from antibiotic-resistant germs.
Although Loo would not reveal the hospital where she conducted her study, she said that it is within the university health center and has 450 beds. After her report, healthcare officials placed alcohol hand-hygiene dispensers in all patient rooms for doctor and nurse use.
Information from The Canadian Press
CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
July 11th 2025With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
