Bacteriological Assessment of Stethoscopes and Mobile Phones Used by Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Centre of Goa

Abstract

 Background: Stethoscopes and mobile phones are potential vectors for nosocomial infections due to their frequent use and contact with both healthcare workers and patients. Despite recognized risks, the standard and frequency of disinfection practices vary, potentially contributing to microbial transmission in healthcare settings. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the bacteriological contamination of stethoscopes and mobile phones used by doctors in a tertiary care center. Objectives include: assessing the antibiogram patterns to determine resistance to drugs, examining the frequency and methods of disinfection for both devices, investigating hand hygiene practices, and identifying factors inuencing adherence to infection control protocols. The study also seeks to evaluate the impact of infection prevention training on the maintenance of hygiene standards. Materials and Methods: Across-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted in November 2022 at the Department of Microbiology, Goa Medical College. Fifty doctors from various departments participated, providing samples from their stethoscopes and mobile phones. Microbial cultures were grown from samples collected with sterilized cotton swabs, followed by incubation in Blood Heart Infusion broth and subsequent analysis. Results: The ndings are expected to reveal signicant microbial contamination and variability in the resistance proles, highlighting critical lapses in current disinfection practices among healthcare workers. Conclusion: By mapping the bacteriological landscape of these everyday tools in a healthcare setting and correlating it with hygiene practices, this study aims to reinforce the necessity for stringent disinfection protocols and targeted infection control training to mitigate the risk of hospital-acquired infections.