| Pants, policies and paranoia... | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 19931936 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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In response to the rising tide of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in UK hospitals, governmental health departments have introduced dress codes for healthcare staff. These include measures such as the use of short sleeves, no wristwatches or jewellery, and avoidance of ties and white coats. Although hospital pathogens have been found on such items, there is no evidence that they play a major role in transmitting HAIs and these policies have received much criticism. This Leader examines the evidence underpinning the new dress codes and concludes that there is insufficient evidence to justify recent policies. Dress codes appear to have been imposed more for political purposes than in deference to effective infection control. In addition, the UK 'zero tolerance' mandate towards HAI does not balance personal accountability against a failing healthcare system. These policies may try to impose good practice but over-reliance on cheap, short-term solutions will not adequately address longer-term problems with HAI. |
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Authors:
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S J Dancer |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Review Date: 2009-11-20 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: The Journal of hospital infection Volume: 74 ISSN: 1532-2939 ISO Abbreviation: J. Hosp. Infect. Publication Date: 2010 Jan |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-01-19 Completed Date: 2010-03-12 Revised Date: 2010-05-10 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 8007166 Medline TA: J Hosp Infect Country: England |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 10-5 Citation Subset: IM |
Copyright Information:
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Copyright 2009 The Hospital Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Affiliation:
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Department of Microbiology, Hairmyres Hospital, Eaglesham Road, East Kilbride G75 8RG, UK. stephanie.dancer@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Clothing
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standards* Cross Infection / prevention & control* Great Britain Health Personnel* Health Policy* Hospitals Humans Infection Control / methods* |
| Comments/Corrections | |
Comment In:
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J Hosp Infect. 2010 Jun;75(2):136; author reply 136-7
[PMID:
20381899
]
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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