Interaction of healthcare worker hands and portable medical equipment: a sequence analysis to show potential transmission opportunities.

Background: While research has demonstrated the importance of a clean health care environment, there is a lack of research on the role portable medical equipment (PME) play in the transmission cycle of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). This study investigated the patterns and sequence of contact events among health care workers, patients, surfaces, and medical equipment in a hospital environment.

Methods: Research staff observed patient care events over six different 24 h periods on six different hospital units.

Impact of pulsed xenon ultraviolet light on hospital-acquired infection rates in a community hospital.

Background: The role of contaminated environments in the spread of hospital-associated infections has been well documented. This study reports the impact of a pulsed xenon ultraviolet no-touch disinfection system on infection rates in a community care facility.

Methods: This study was conducted in a community hospital in Southern Florida.