Forced Handwashing in the Medical Field

The company, “Hyginex” has created a high-tech wristband for doctors to wear that will monitor their hand-washing habits remotely. However, a new study has shown that medical professionals are not pleased with this device.

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The Hyginex system works by comprising a cloud-based network of smart wristbands and sensor-equipped faucets, soap and sanitizer dispensers. Say you’re a doctor or a nurse who is approaching a new patient, by your movement and presence in the new room, you will trigger a nearby sensor. This unit will beam a wireless signal to the wristband which will set off an LED light, and then a light vibration will then remind you to be wash your hands. Not only does this wristband remind you to wash your hands, it will also monitor the quality of your hand-washing. For instance, if you spend too little time rubbing your hands together or if you use too little soap, the system will let off a friendly warning. With the use of the Hyginex system, the hospital staff will begin to improve their hand-washing compliance.

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Although the system seems very helpful and definitely reassures the patient that the staff is clean, how do these medical professionals feel about the system? A study in Switzerland sent surveys to 700 doctors and nurses at the University of Geneva Hospitals and received 227 responses of annoyance to the system. A little under one third stated they did not like the idea of being reminded to wash their hands by patients and they also considered it “upsetting” or “humiliating”. Also, 37% said they would refuse to wear the wristband that encouraged their patients to ask about their hand hygiene.

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However, in the end, most of those surveyed said they could play a role in preventing infections spreading through hospital grounds. So, how would you feel about the medical professionals caring for you and your healthy being reminded of washing their hands?

 

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