A quantitative approach to defining "high-touch" surfaces in hospitals.
Fifty interactions between healthcare workers and patients were observed to obtain a quantifiable definition of "high-touch" (ie, frequently touched) surfaces based on frequency of contact. Five surfaces were defined as high-touch surfaces: the bed rails, the bed surface, the supply cart, the over-bed table, and the intravenous pump.
Huslage
Kirk
K
Department of Hospital Epidemiology, UNC Health Care, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA. dhuslage@unch.unc.edu
Rutala
William A
WA
Sickbert-Bennett
Emily
E
Weber
David J
DJ
D001513:Beds; D006757:Hospital Units; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D009657:North Carolina; D019370:Observation; D005791:Patient Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010362:Patients' Rooms; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013503:Surgery Department, Hospital; D014110:Touch