Nurses Eyed When Microbe Spread Leads to Outbreaks

Study finds nurses more likely to be super spreaders of microbes primarily spread by hand

By By Dan Hounsell


As COVID-19 vaccinations continue to rollout nationwide, healthcare facilities are taking great pains to ensure all employees have access to vaccines and that the coronavirus and other pathogens do not spread further within their walls.

If infection prevention teams want to find the source of a pathogenic outbreak in a hospital setting due to poor hand hygiene compliance (HHC), look first at the nurses, according to Infection Control Today. Nurses are much more likely to be super spreaders of microbes that are primarily spread by hand, according to a new study.

Investigators with the University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands, said in so many words that nurses are more likely to be super spreaders of pathogens because they travel throughout facilities, moving from patient room to patient room and beyond. The study took place in the University Medical Center Groningen, a hospital in the Netherlands with more than 10,000 employees and 1,400 beds.



March 26, 2021


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

The Role of Biophilic Design in Healthcare Facilities

Nature-inspired design can support staff well-being and create more welcoming, human-centered healthcare environments.


TriStar Centennial Medical Center Invests $90M in Women, Children's Hospital Expansions

The multi-year project will bring significant improvements to both hospitals.


Virginia Cancer Specialists to Open Newly Expanded Fauquier Location

The new Fauquier location will serve as a hub for clinical research and innovation in the future.


Emergency Preparedness: Building a Stronger Community

Professional memberships offer a convenient way to access practical resources, stay current on critical changes and learn from peers.


Ground Broken on Lavine Bekenstein Cancer Hospital in Massachusetts

The 450,000-square-foot facility will feature 300 inpatient beds across ten floors and has been designed specifically around the needs of people with cancer and their families.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.