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Let's Talk Dirty
Dr. Katie Beaudoin
February 27, 2024
Happy Tuesday! Hot topics this week include the down and dirty details that will equip you with top-notch germ-fighting skills.
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In Today’s Edition:
I wipe my stethoscope after every patient, do you?
Closing the lid on germs
Hold the hand hygiene (unless you work in the ED)
Candida auris, an emerging health threat
Looking for a sick resource for FREE CME?
ICYMI: New Year New Me, for the latest resources to keep those healthy resolutions going!
🩺 APP Trending News
Credit: Giphy
I wipe my stethoscope after every patient, do you?
In truth, I don’t want to think about sticking my stethoscope in my pocket ‘dirty’ so I have embraced my inner germaphobe. For years I’ve armed myself with ETOH wipes and a habit of using them before and after every patient. People don’t seem to be offended, in fact they like the habit. This recent article brought great joy as it confirmed what my hygiene superhero instincts already knew: swiping my stethoscope with 70% ethanol not only keeps the bacteria at bay but hits them with a whopping 97.3% reduction in bacterial growth. Bye germs. 🦠
⚙️ The More You Know
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Closing the lid on germs
Believe that closing the toilet lid minimizes germ spread? Think twice! Our discovery of Gompels' LinkedIn page has us captivated. The research they've shared about germs and germ spread is utterly enthralling. Brace yourself for a mind-blowing revelation on the significance of toilet cleaning that will undoubtedly ignite your passion for a thorough cleanup! 🚽
Hold the hand hygiene (unless you work in the ED)
In this study, 3,790 healthcare personnel across 13 hospital units in 4 academic centers showed a significant increase (think 46%) in adhering to a direct-gloving strategy compared to the usual hand hygiene before donning gloves (87% vs. 41%). Our healthcare champions are truly embracing innovation, leading to a game-changing improvement in best practices. 🧼
Candida auris, an emerging health threat
Have you heard? Candida auris, is the new MRSA. The CDC announced it as an emerging fungal pathogen now associated with nosocomial infections and is shedding a warning that it is a serious global health threat. If you take care of patients at risk for yeast infections (think DM, CKD, chronic steroids, chemo, etc), this is for you! 🧤
💡Inspiration for Aspirations
"Guarding against infection is not only a responsibility; it's a powerful act of compassion that shields the vulnerable and preserves the essence of healing."
🧪Clinical Conundrums: Because We Love a Challenge!
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Looking for a sick resource for FREE CME?!
Look no further. The AHRQ PSNet Training Catalog is an excellent resource for healthcare professionals across the spectrum of clinical care and specialties. Did we mention FREE?!
Pro-tip: After all this dirty talk, no need to BUG out. We want to reiterate the importance of antibiotic stewardship…a difficult hurdle to jump, even for experienced providers. Check out this excellent resource from the AHRQ Antibiotic Stewardship Toolkits. Afterall, prevention is preferable to cure, and it starts with YOU! 🫵🏼
🔎ICYMI
Don’t miss out on our last edition, New Year New Me, for the latest resources to keep those healthy resolutions going:
New Year, New Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Calculator
Updates in weight loss 2024
Legal buzz: compounded and “fake” semaglutide
FYP: An easy guide to Wegovy and Zepbound
PA leader in culinary medicine. Say what?!
Interested in starting an obesity care program? This leader has all the solutions.
Future healthcare heroes listen up!
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