In a message dated 10/25/98 2:36:20 AM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:
<< Here is a very interesting news item from Medscape. I wonder what the
statistics are like in all the allied healing disciplines? It makes you
wonder if some professionals may have forgotten the overture to the
Hippocratic Oath - "Above all, do not harm".
Great Moments in Medicine - The Man Who Cleaned Up Obstetrics
----------------------------------------------------------
In 1846, a physician suggested obstetricians wash their hands
before delivering babies, stopping an epidemic. But over 150
years later, some studies indicate that less than 60 percent
of doctors scrub their hands before handling patients.
[Hippocrates 12(7):64, 1998]
>>
Dr. Mel,
I bet the % in allied health is even less than this article indicates. Before
performing any hands-on procedure, I make it a point that the patient *sees
me* wash my hands. Although there has been no documented cases of iatrogenic
infection from a hallux mobilization, the patients really seem to appreciate
the effort.
I have recently read that the folks who bring us Dial soap have changed their
25 y/o slogan of "You'll be glad you use Dial" because the reason why
Americans use soap has apparently changed. Twenty-five years ago people
"soaped-up" so as not to be offensive to others. Nowadays, folks are more
concerned with washing off the germs of others.
Although at times I feel that I am giving in to this germ-a-phobia, the act of
hand-washing telegraphs to the patient that you are a thorough, concerned
clinician.
Cleanly,
Nick
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nicholas R. Taweel, DPM, PT, CPed
Moss Rehabilitation Hospital
1200 West Tabor Road
Philadelphia, PA 19141
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