The Role of Shared Equipment in the Spread of Hospital Acquired Infections

Abstract

This research project asks the question, In hospitalized patients, does sharing equipment increase hospital acquired infections in comparison to each patient having their own equipment during their hospital stay? It was conducted as a literature review concerning evidence based practice related to the role of shared equipment in the spread of hospital acquired infections. Based on the findings, the implications for nursing practice include designation of individual assessment equipment for high risk patients, increased measures for disinfection when equipment must be reused, and the adoption of disposable equipment when possible. Areas of further research include the economic feasibility and medical reliability of disposable equipment in comparison to standard equipment, and the attitudes of patients and medical personnel to disposable assessment equipment.

Some keywords utilized in this research study included: hospital acquired infections; vectors; blood pressure cuffs; hospital equipment; stethoscopes; equipment assignment; HAI; MRSA; hospital; infections.