Tie one on
Posted by Esther Fabian : October 13th, 2009
According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, this week is International Infection Prevention Week. No doubt we’ll be hearing a lot about hand washing, covering our mouths when we cough and other disease prevention measures, all of which are important, especially in the times of H1N1.
One of the more interesting – and debated – prevention measures is to have physicians put away the traditional neck tie. It’s been shown that, since those uncomfortable pieces of clothing hang down and touch all kinds of things and don’t get washed after each wear, they can end up full of germs.
The theory is that opting for a bow tie (or no tie at all) is a more sanitary option.
Makes sense in my mind, but I haven’t been able to find any references to research that actually confirm this theory.
What do you think? Is the bow tie in hospitals and clinics a way to keep people healthier? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Regardless of your opinion on the bow tie, I do want to leave you with an enormous request, regardless of who you are or what you do: Wash your hands. Often.
Tags: hosptial safety, infection prevention
Esther Fabian is the director of health care marketing at The University of Toledo. Although she is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, Esther has willingly traded in brown and orange for the blue and gold. Over her nine years of employment at the institution, she continues to be fascinated by the incredible things that UT Medical Center professionals do every day to help people and loves learning about the many aspects of health care through those exceptional people. Esther hopes to use this journal to give folks a peek into the world of UT Medical Center, and maybe an occasional glimpse into the world of a working mom and owner of many, many pets.
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October 13th, 2009at 11:02 am
Esther, Indeed. A great idea…UT Bow Ties will arrive soon. They will be in several colors and will look wonderful. Larry.
October 13th, 2009at 2:24 pm
Very interesting point Esther. The older I get the more germ conscience I am, so it is a serious question in my mind. It makes sense to me that medical professionals should forego the necktie if it hosts and spreads dangerous germs, even it it messes with their ensemble. I think it should be up to the individual to decide if he wants to wear a bow tie or no tie.
Should be that we don’t assume someone is of higher moral character just because he is wearing a necktie, but we haven’t arrived there yet.