by Physicians Weekly | Oct 17, 2016
Good news for the millions of people who suffer from skin wounds that won’t heal. A team of researchers at The Ohio State University has brought a potentially transformative solution to the problem by creating a portable adhesive patch that drives a continuous, small electrical current to stimulate healing and reduce the risk of infection. Nearly 7 million Americans have chronic wounds – typically a result of diabetes, obesity or other conditions that impact circulation – costing the healthcare system nearly $25 billion each year. The non-healing wounds are painful, can permanently damage nerves, prevent mobility and in extreme cases, cause infection that can lead to death. The patch’s design significantly advances existing FDA-approved wireless electroceutical dressing (WED) that harnesses the body’s innate response to injury to help wounds heal. “A wound naturally produces its own electrical fields that help reduce bacteria and promote cell regeneration; however, this function is likely impaired in chronic wounds,” said Sashwati Roy, PhD, an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at Ohio State’s College of Medicine. “The prototype dressing mimics this physiological process, and while it has proven to create an optimal environment where chronic wounds can heal, we are always looking for new ways to keep pathogens under better control.” Roy notes that chronic wounds are particularly susceptible to infection because bacteria, which at times are free floating within a wound – can sometimes mobilize, creating colonies covered by a thick sticky coating called a biofilm. The immune system cannot penetrate the biofilm, and antibiotics can’t get in either – causing constant inflammation and low-level infection that can further dampen the...
by Physicians Weekly | Jan 28, 2014
Are banning wrist watches and providing hooks for white coats realistic solutions for reducing infections? A new guideline released from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) provides recommendations on reducing transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) through guidance of healthcare personnel (HCP) attire in non-operating room settings. The recommendations, published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, are based on limited evidence, theoretical rationale, and practical considerations. Acknowledging that more appropriately designed studies should be funded and performed to better define the relationship between HCP attire and HAIs, the following are based on evidence-based measures to prevent HAIs: 1) “Bare below the elbows”: HCPs should wear short sleeves, no wristwatches or jewelry, and no ties during clinical practice. Even though the prevention impact is unknown, the recommendations rationalize that it is supported by “biological plausibility” and is unlikely to cause harm. 2) White coats: Facilities that mandate or strongly recommend the use of white coats should require that HCPs possess 2 or more white coats in addition to institution-provided on-site laundering at no or low cost. Institutions should also provide coat hooks so that HCPs can remove and hang their white coat before patient contact. 3) Other HCP apparel: Use of other specific apparel items can’t be limited because transmission of pathogens remains undetermined. However, neckties, for example, should be secured. 4) Laundering: Any apparel worn that comes in direct contact with patients or the patient environment should be laundered after daily use, no less frequently than once a week. 5) HCP footwear: All footwear should have closed toes, low heels, and non-skid soles. The article also delves...
